Electronic Arts, the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company, announced that The Sims 2 for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube, the Game Boy Advance, and the Nintendo DS, ships to retailers today. The Sims 2 for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and mobile phones will follow in the weeks to come. Developed by the award winning EA-Maxis studio, under the EA brand, The Sims 2 is everywhere this fall.

Based on the PC version of The Sims 2, which was the best-selling PC game of 2004, the console and handheld versions were re-invented from the ground-up to capitalize on the unique capabilities of each platform, while maintaining the same creativity and customization considered core components of the signature Sims experience. Classic open-ended gameplay allows console and handheld gamers to make the game their own, no matter which platform they choose!

The Sims games are known for being among the few games to achieve popularity across all ages and genders, making The Sims 2 a great gift for anyone from your nephew, to your grandfather to your favorite aunt, best friend, or kid sister. “Now that The Sims 2 is everywhere, on every platform from consoles and handheld game systems, to PCs and mobile phones, one of the most widely-popular games in history is also one of the most widely accessible!” exclaimed Vice President and Executive Producer, Sinjin Bain, “EA is thrilled to bring your favorite game to all your favorite systems!”

Console versions:

The Sims 2 for Xbox, the PlayStation 2 console and Nintendo GameCube provides a blank canvas that you can fill! Create your Sims, give them distinct personalities, and directly control every move they make. Customize their world by designing their fashions, creating their food and building and decorating their homes. Help them achieve aspirations and avoid fears, as they build a network of friends and even acquire a few enemies! You can watch their simulated lives play out before your eyes. Choose to explore the open-ended world or select a story-driven experience that features 60 new characters and 16 unique locations. The PlayStation 2 console fans can even spice up their Sims surroundings by importing images into the game with the Eyetoy USB Camera. All console versions have been rated T” for Teen by the ESRB.

Handheld Versions:

Handheld versions offer a Sims storyline that combines a classic Sims experience with the goal-oriented gameplay that handheld players enjoy. Each handheld version features a different storyline so true Sims fans might want to collect all three.