Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced the launch of METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER on the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Developed by the legendary Hideo Kojima – the mastermind behind the most successful tactical-espionage video game series of all time – this latest PSP system installment picks up where METAL GEAR SOLID®3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system leaves off as players take control of the famed Naked Snake. Taking place in 1974 in a cold war scenario, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER takes the series in an exciting new direction with incredible visuals and a unique design, specifically for the PSP system. A download version of the game and camouflage hardware PSP system bundles is also be available.

“This stunning new title from Hideo Kojima and his Tokyo-based Kojima Productions team will amaze both METAL GEAR fans and new gamers alike,” said Shinji Hirano, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER is a spectacular stealth title that brings the action and thrill of a console game to the PSP system taking an interesting turn in the METAL GEAR SOLID saga.”

A blend of action RPG and RTS elements, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER features a gripping story that unfolds through the artwork of Yoji Shinkawa and acclaimed comic book artist, Ashley Wood. The game introduces new AI Weapons- giant unmanned behemoths that Snake must overcome to complete his mission – including airborne, tank, and mobile-fortress-styleenemies that can each talk and sing during battle using VOCALOID technology. Additionally, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER boasts extensive multi-player elements including four-player CO-OPS (COoperative-OPerationS), and a stunning three-against-three battle, wherein six players can form teams and engage in thrilling linked battles via the Sony handheld’s Ad Hoc capabilities that extend the gameplay experience allowing players to administer medical help to colleagues, share munitions, and provide defense for each other using the Snake formation to cover blind spots.

METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER begins with Naked Snake training his soldiers and building up his army in Colombia, South America in the shadow of the Cuban Missile Crisis. As Latin America became a key to maintaining the power balance between the East and West, Costa Rica had miraculously managed to maintain its peace and neutrality. However, a mysterious armed force seemed to be engaging in suspicious activities in various regions of the country. To preserve peace in this nation without a military, the Snake’s army had to move into action. In time, they would be known as the founders of “Outer Heaven.”

Developed by legendary Hideo Kojima – the mastermind behind the most successful video game tactical-espionage series of all time – this latest PSP system installment picks up where Metal Gear Solid®3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system leaves off as players take control of the famed Naked Snake. Taking place in 1974, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo Kojima. Scheduled to launch in 2010, the game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the PSP in mind.

“Featuring an original story created by legendary game designer, Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a title that has serious sales potential,” said David Daniels, Director of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “Kojima Productions has pushed the limits of the PSP system and we cannot wait to unveil their latest addition to the Metal Gear franchise to gamers this coming May.”

Developed by Harmonix in partnership with Backbone Entertainment, a Foundation 9 Entertainment studio, Rock Band Unplugged creates a full band experience in the palm of players’ hands by combining traditional beatmatch gameplay with key elements from both Rock Band™ and Rock Band™2. The hands are the “peripherals” in Rock Band Unplugged allowing players to take direct control of the lead/bass guitars, drums and vocals. In addition, players can capture a deep and interactive Rock Band experience by taking their band on the road in World Tour mode, practicing their chops in the Band Warmup Mode, or by taking on the most extreme musical challenge imaginable in Band Survival mode.

Rock Band Unplugged features 41 master recordings including nine songs new to the Rock Band music catalog that are exclusive to the PSP system for a limited time! Plus, Rock Band Unplugged features the first in-game store for downloadable content on the PSP system leveraging the PSP system’s wireless capabilities and powered by PlayStation®Network.

Rock Band Unplugged Pricing Information:

o Rock Band Unplugged software (North America) MSRP $39.99
o Rock Band Unplugged software (Continental Europe) MSRP €39.99
o Rock Band Unplugged software (United Kingdom) MSRP £29.99
o Limited Edition Rock Band PSP Entertainment Pack (North America) MSRP $199.99

The limited edition Rock Band PSP Entertainment Pack from Sony Computer Entertainment America includes the game, a “Piano Black” PSP system, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™, and, in the United States only,a voucher to download Paramount Pictures’ School of Rock from PlayStation®Store. The Rock Band PSP Entertainment Pack will be available in North America only.

Rock Band Unplugged is rated “T” for Teen with descriptors of Lyrics and Suggestive Themes by the ESRB. Rock Band Unplugged is rated PEGI 12+. Please visit www.pegi.info for rating information.

For more information on Rock Band Unplugged and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com/unplugged and www.harmonixmusic.com.

Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that NCAA® Football 09, scheduled for release in North America on July 15, will feature wide open gameplay, college atmosphere and online enhancements. This year’s iteration of NCAA Football brings to life the fun and excitement of gameday Saturdays. In addition, former Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan will be the cover athlete for NCAA Football 09 on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. This year, the packaging for each of the NCAA Football 09 console platforms will feature an exclusive cover athlete.

“NCAA Football 09 showcases everything that makes college football exciting and unique,” said Executive Producer Jeremy Strauser. “From enhanced gameplay and presentation to our online Dynasty Mode offering – the only franchise mode online for EA SPORTS, we feel that this will be a standout product accurately reflecting the college football experience and also captures the true emotion of football on Saturdays.”

College football has never before felt more wide open than in NCAA Football 09. Gamers will experience the excitement of making big plays on the field, as they will have the ability to directly control and influence the game through the all-new break away animation engine. With huge cut-back lanes, new tackling animations and wider blocking holes, NCAA Football 09 offers a host of offensive opportunities.

NCAA Football 09 also brings the atmosphere, pageantry and tradition of college football to life. Through the redesigned stadiums, which reflect even more detail of each school’s individual playing field, to the dynamic sidelines filled with school colors, cheerleaders and mascots, players will feel the excitement of college gameday. Players can gain Home Field Advantage as the intensity of the home crowd rises and rattles the composure of opposing teams. All 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools are represented in the game and players can even customize the in-game atmosphere with their own personal music collection.

Off the field, NCAA Football 09 features its most robust Dynasty Mode yet, inviting fans to create and manage a perennial powerhouse program from landing blue-chip recruits to winning championships on the field. For the first time ever, Dynasty goes online with up to 12 competitors to recruit head-to-head, customize schedules and play for up to 60 seasons.

Former college football standout Matt Ryan will join former Arkansas All-American Darren McFadden as a spokesman and cover athlete for NCAA Football 09. Ryan will be featured on the PLAYSTATION®3 cover and as a four-year player, he finished his career at Boston College as the school’s career leader in pass completions and was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2007. In his senior season, he helped lead the Eagles to an 11-3 record and a victory over Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl. Ryan was awarded the 2008 Manning Award, which is given each year to the nation’s top senior quarterback.

The remaining two exclusive cover athletes for the PlayStation®2 and the PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) systems will be unveiled the beginning of May.

Watch the game trailer: