NEW CONTENT FOR WWE® SMACKDOWN® VS. RAW® 2009 NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD VIA PLAYSTATION®NETWORK
 
Leading Fighting Videogame Franchise Set to Expand the Virtual WWE Universe With New Playable Superstars and Clothing Choices

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.  January 9, 2009  THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced the availability of the first downloadable content package for WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009, the latest release in the leading fighting videogame franchise.  Now available for download worldwide via PlayStation®Network for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the content enables players to update their virtual WWE experience with new playable Superstars and ring gear.  WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 originally launched on November 9, 2008 and is available at major retailers worldwide.

The content package for PlayStation Network, available for a suggested retail price of $4.99, will include Evan Bourne™, Ted DiBiase™ and Charlie Haas™ (playable Superstars); Kelly Kelly™ and Maria™ (holiday costumes); Kane® (masked); as well as new ring gear for Chris Jericho®, MVP™ and Edge®.  In addition, future content is planned for PlayStation Network, as well as the first content for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“Consumers are constantly looking for ways to modify and enhance their gameplay experiences online, and the ever-changing WWE brand offers many exciting opportunities to bring fresh, dynamic content to our WWE SmackDown vs. Raw community,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, publishing, THQ.

"Downloadable content is the perfect complement to WWE SmackDown vs. Raw, and we are excited to enter into this new arena of gaming with the WWE franchise,” said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific.

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system unleashes a brand-new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high-impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the “hot tag” for the win.  The franchise’s renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania® Mode paves the way to WWE’s biggest event of the year and lets players experience a franchise-first co-op storyline.  WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the debut of downloadable content.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii™ builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platform’s unique pick-up-and-play experience.  Gameplay advances to the next level, giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes.  WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii also includes a wide variety of new objects, the debut of online gameplay and much more.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS™ returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience.  The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals.  In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar provides players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.

More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.