TOKYO--2005 will be an unforgettable year for Sony Computer Entertainment and its PlayStation gaming console. The PlayStation tallied its 100 millionth sale in June, and it marked its 10th anniversary in North America this month. And now it's received one of America's most popular awards.

Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that the PlayStation has won an Emmy for "Outstanding Achievement in Technology and Advanced New Media for pioneering the 3D polygonal-based gaming experience." The award was accepted by Sony Computer Entertainment America president Kaz Hirai at the 57th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards that took place September 29 in Princeton, New Jersey. The awards ceremony was hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), which already handed out Emmys to popular TV shows earlier this month in Los Angeles.

"When the concept for PlayStation was in its infancy in the early 1990s, we had a dream to elevate the quality of computer graphics from a 2D-based environment to a rich, realistic 3D experience. At the same time, we intended to bring in a new form of entertainment through the living room in a manner that would allow people all over the world to enjoy the pleasures of interactive entertainment," said SCE president Ken Kutaragi in a statement to the press. "Even with this lofty goal in mind, the achievement and market acceptance for PlayStation have exceeded my wildest expectations. In its tenth year on the market, we are honored to be awarded a prestigious Emmy to commemorate the significant role PlayStation played in creating a new computer entertainment world."

"Emerging technologies in digital media play an important role in the way in which people consume in-home entertainment, and gaming in particular has been a consistent source of innovation in recent years," said Seth Haberman, the chairman of the Video Gaming and Technology Awards panel for NATAS. "We felt that the advent of PlayStation personified a significant shift in the direction of gaming and are pleased to recognize Sony Computer Entertainment for its contribution."

Sony's chief rival, Microsoft, received an Emmy earlier this month for its Xbox Live online gaming service in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Technology and Advanced New Media.