MLB® 12 The Show™ Launches Onto Store Shelves Today, Available Exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) Systems

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) announced today the North American launch of the latest installment of the number-one selling and rated Major League Baseball® (MLB®) game franchise, MLB® 12 The Show™, available exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) systems.  Widely considered the most authentic baseball game on the market, The Show has been and continues to be the highest ranked officially licensed baseball title of this console generation (according to MetaCritic.com) and the number-one rated sports game over the past four years (according to GameRankings.com), delivering true-to-life gameplay, authentic franchise and season modes, and incredible detail not found in any other sports game. 

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Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios' San Diego Studio, MLB 12 The Show brings unparalleled innovation and polish to the sports genre complete with full PlayStation®Move support in all gameplay modes, cross platform save functionality between the PS3 and PS Vita versions, enhanced graphics and visuals with TruBroadcast presentations, revamped gameplay mechanics in the form of true ball physics, and Diamond Dynasty, a new mode that juggles aspects of team management, player progression, and online competition with more creative freedom than any sports game to date.  With compelling new features and enhancements to this year's installment, MLB 12 The Show is poised to continue the franchise's reign as the premier MLB licensed game on any platform.

"As the number-one selling sports title of over the past four years, MLB The Show has done a fantastic job of delivering the most authentic MLB experience available with unparalleled realism and attention to detail," said Guy Longworth, Senior Vice President, PlayStation Brand Marketing, SCEA.  "This year is no different as MLB 12 The Show brings players closer to the action that ever before.  From full PlayStation Move support in all modes of play to the ability to share save files between PS3 and the newly launched PlayStation Vita, MLB 12 The Show captures the true passion of Major League Baseball, while allowing fans to continue playing, anytime, anywhere."

Leading off on the new features set for the PS3 version is full PS Move support in all gameplay modes, meaning players can control all aspects of The Show with the PS Move motion controller, including hitting, pitching, fielding, and even running the bases.  There are also custom meters on screen to compliment the experience so players will see the on-screens batter's hands move as you move at the virtual plate.

Next up is cross platform save functionality between the PS3 and PS Vita versions.  Yes, MLB 12 The Show will be available on PS Vita utilizing all of the core gameplay features and modes found in the PS3 game, including Exhibition, Home Run Derby®, and online play, as well as the ability to share save files between both hardware platforms.  Therefore, players can save their Season, Franchise, and Road to The Show campaigns, and then load their save files at home on PS3 or on the road with PS Vita, anytime, anywhere.  MLB 12 The Show for PS Vita will also feature new touch screen controls, including user interface navigation by tapping or sliding your fingers on the Front Touch screen and additional gameplay controls using the Rear Touch Pad controls, such as throwing the ball to specific locations, pitching commands, and running the bases.

On the visual side, MLB 12 The Show makes the biggest leap forward ever with TruBroadcast presentations, truly blurring the line between reality and the in-game experience.  With completely refined presentations combined with enhanced artificial intelligence (A.I.), revamped cameras, and expanded audio, MLB 12 The Show is poised to deliver the most realistic baseball gaming experience to date.

Brand new to MLB 12 The Show is the addition of Diamond Dynasty, a new mode that allows players to build a team through virtual baseball cards and customize all aspects of that team by managing its performance, training, and budget against other players or against the CPU.  Players can acquire cards through pack purchasing, buying from other users, or through the Diamond Dynasty recycling system.

Lastly, the sixth generation of Road to The Show returns with a new assortment of training modes for base running and fielding, along with a slew of new accessories to compliment the already extensive system.  Ultra realistic ball physics have also been added to this year's game incorporating the proper spin for balls that bounce off the bases, the pitcher's mound and rubber, and other surfaces on the field.  The baseball now bounces realistically using actual math for a spinning ball hitting these surfaces.  Additional new features includes compatibility with the 3D Display from Sony Computer Entertainment incorporating revolutionary SimulView™ technology, Zone Analog Batting, Pulse Pitching, situational collision awareness, improved catch mechanics, a new tag animation system, improved online gameplay via PlayStation®Network, hundreds of new animations, and much more.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for MLB 12 The Show is "E" for "Everyone."  For more information about the ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org.  For more information about MLB 12 The Show, visit our community page at http://www.theshownation.com/ or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mlbtheshow.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® systems, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP, PSPgo and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.

"PlayStation", "PSP" and the "PS" Family  logo are registered trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. © Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official website at MLB.com.  ©MLBPA, Official Licensee-Major League Baseball Players Association. Visit the Players Choice on the web at www.MLBPLAYERS.com.

SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC