Ridge Racer for PSP Goes Gold

NAMCO’S TOP RACING FRANCHISE "RIDGE
RACER(TM)" DRIFTS ONE STEP CLOSER TO PSP(TM) HANDHELD SYSTEM

Launch Title for the PSP Handheld System
Goes Gold

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (March 1, 2005) –
Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today
that the latest installment in its drift racing franchise, "Ridge Racer(TM),"
has gone gold for the PSP(TM) handheld entertainment system. "Ridge Racer" will
offer gamers signature "Ridge Racer" drift handling at breakneck speeds and be
available in stores at the PSP handheld system’s launch.

"Namco has created a game that takes full
advantage of the new platform’s wireless connectivity capabilities and offers
gamers new to this genre a unique and exciting gaming experience," said Nobuhiro
Kasahara, president and CEO of Namco Hometek Inc. "’Ridge Racer’ not only
capitalizes on the amazing wireless connectivity of the PSP handheld system, but
also is a fun game that racing fans have continued to enjoy over the years."

The latest installment of "Ridge Racer"
features stunning 3D graphics, smooth analog steering and robust course
selections comprised of new tracks and classic courses from the "Ridge Racer"
series. For the most serious speed demons who have mastered all 39 standard
tours within the game, the U.S. version features a new MAX Tour in World Tour
Mode, with seven ferociously difficult tours to conquer. "Ridge Racer’s"
Wireless Battle permits players to battle it out head-to-head in eight-player
races, while an all-new nitrous boosting system allows for faster racing than
ever before.

"Ridge Racer" will be available at the launch
of the PSP handheld system on March 24th. For more information, please visit:

www.namco.com
.

About Namco Hometek Inc.

Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer
division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech
entertainment industry. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an
award-winning video games publisher for next generation game consoles. Namco has
created some of the industry’s greatest video game franchises: "Tekken(R)," "SOULCALIBUR(R),"
"Dead to Rights(R)," "Pac-Man World(TM)," "Ridge Racer(R)," "Time Crisis(R)" and
"ACECOMBAT(TM)." For more information about Namco and its products log onto

www.namco.com
.

# # #

"TEKKEN(R)," "SOULCALIBUR(R)," "PAC-MAN
WORLD(TM)," "Ridge Racer(R)," "Time Crisis(R)" and "ACECOMBAT(TM)" are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Namco Limited in the United States and/or
other countries.

"Dead to Rights(TM)" is a trademark or
registered trademark of Namco Hometek Inc. in the United States and/or other
countries.

"RIDGE RACER" (TM) & (C)2004 NAMCO LTD., ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are
registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP is a trademark of
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.