Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced RIDGE RACER is now available in North America for the PlayStation Vita system. The classic series is reborn as a glorious, high-definition handheld online experience that will keep fans racing across the finish line in a global competition to be the world’s best racer.

In RIDGE RACER for the PlayStation Vita system, players will experience the stunning graphics that utilize the full power of PS®Vita alongside dynamic audio and white-knuckle races against players from all over the world. Players will also be amazed by the sheer unbeatable thrill and satisfaction of conquering a tight corner at hair-raising speed with their new console in hand. Along with the full game’s release, an exclusive application for the PlayStation®Vita system will also be available for free to download featuring an interactive audio and video experience that will give fans a unique taste of this bold and glimmering entry into the RIDGE RACER world.

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“For nearly two decades, RIDGE RACER has been one of the most thrilling, high-speed racing franchises in video games,” said Carlson Choi, VP of Marketing for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “Today, with the series’ debut on the all-new PlayStation®Vita in North America, fans will be able to enjoy the next level of excitement in this longtime gaming tradition, along with free access to a host of premium additional downloadable content while supplies last for gamers that can’t wait to get behind the wheel.”

At launch and while supplies last, fans who buy the retail version of RIDGE RACER® for PS®Vita will find a code inside the box for a free RIDGE RACER Gold Pass which allows fans to download a wealth of extra premium DLC content completely for free. The same Gold Pass is also available to all fans who purchase the digital version of the game on PlayStation®Network no later than April 30th, 2012. It will also be available for purchase on the PlayStation®Store for $7.49 for all other players to enjoy. The RIDGE RACER Gold Pass will let players download the following DLC content as soon as they become available after the game’s launch.

· Five additional machines: PROMESSA, ELENIE, DIGNISTAR, FATALITA and MELTFIRE

· Three additional courses: Old Central, Sunset Heights and Lost Ruins

· Two music tracks: NEW SONGS PACK 01

· One new extended music mix: LONG MIX BGM 01

Later this Spring, players still looking for more content will be able to purchase the RIDGE RACER Silver Pass which gives access to an additional three machines, three courses, and other BGM packs available for the unbeatable value price of $6.99.

Three additional machines: RC410, EVOLVER, WISDOM
Three additional courses: Oceanfront Cruise Way, Redstone Thunder Road, Silver Mountain Skyway
Two music tracks: NEW SONGS PACK 02
One extended music mix: LONG MIX BGM 02