PSP NBA 06 details dribble out

Last month, Sony Computer Entertainment America made a dual announcement regarding its basketball-simulation game, NBA 06. First, Phoenix Suns center Amare Stoudemire was announced as the cover athlete of the game. Second, the game would also come in a portable version for the PSP, though information on the handheld version was kept under wraps.

Today, SCEA and 989 Sports, Sony's sports game studio, let GameSpot in on a few details of the PSP version, which is scheduled to hit stores this fall. The game is a spiritual successor to NBA, which was released as a launch title for the PSP in March. Unlike its console cousin, the PSP version will follow a slightly different path, concentrating on the single-player portion of the game.

The five-on-five basketball game returns, but the story mode from the PlayStation 2 version will not be in the PSP version. New changes from its predecessor will be additional animations and dribble moves, as well as a host of minigames. In addition to the returning paint mode, the three-point contest, and the skills challenge, gamers will also be able to participate in H.O.R.S.E. and dodgeball. NBA 06 will also feature a trading card system that can be stored as collectibles or shared with other gamers, as well as wireless play both locally or over the Web.

For more details on NBA 06, check out GameSpot's Q&A with producer P.J. Snavely from 989 Sports.