Direct PSN Downloads and Online Play through PS3 coming to PSP

246w ago - This fall should prove to be an exciting time for all PSP owners. Sony Computer Entertainment Japan today announced that the long-awaited direct PSP store will launch later this year via a firmware update. Designed as a native PSP application, the store will be accessible straight from the XMB, meaning you'll no longer have to log-on to your PC to download PSP compatible content from the PS store and transfer it through USB connection.

Additionally, Sony dropped word that owners of a PlayStation 3 will be able to use their console to enable online play in select ad-hoc only PSP titles, such as Monster Hunter 2nd G.

Although we can't say for certain, expect the aforementioned services to hit all three major territories -- North America, Europe and Japan -- at the same time, considering that firmware updates have always been released on a worldwide basis in the past.

PRESS RELEASE: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN TO INTRODUCE NEW PSP® (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE) WITH ADVANCED HIGH CONTRAST LCD THIS OCTOBER IN JAPAN

Tokyo, September 2, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. responsible for business operations in Japan, announced today that it would release the new PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system (PSP-3000) featuring an advanced high contrast LCD and a built-in microphone on Thursday, October 16th, 2008, in Japan at a recommended retail price (RRP) of 19,800 yen (including tax). The new PSP system will come in three basic colors of "Piano Black," "Pearl White" and "Mystic Silver," with plans for additional colors.

SCEJ will also release "PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Value Pack" for the Japanese market at a RRP of 24,800 yen (including tax), comprising a new PSP system (Piano Black, Pearl White or Mystic Silver), a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Mark2), an original PSP pouch, a hand strap and a cloth to meet users' various purposes in using the PSP systems such as playing games, watching movies, listening to music and downloading content through the network.

Along with the launch of the new PSP system, SCEJ will also introduce a variety of accessory packs to meet a wide range of users' lifestyle; "Accessory Pack" will be released at a RRP of 3,800 yen (including tax) and "Battery Pack (2200mAh)" at a RRP of 5,500 yen (including tax). In addition, new peripherals for the new PSP will be introduced; "Cradle" at a RRP of 4,800 yen (including tax) and "Cradle and D terminal AV cable" at a RRP of 6,500 yen (including tax) for charging PSP battery and enjoying high quality viewing on TVs, and also "PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Pouch" at a RRP of 1,800 yen (including tax) that matches the color of the new PSP system. All additional peripherals and accessories will become available on Thursday, October 16th.

For the upcoming holiday season market, third party partners will be introducing exciting bundle packs with strong PSP software titles. "MOBILE SUITE GUNDAM GUNDAM VS. GUNDAM" will be introduced from NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. on Thursday, November 20th, 2008 at a RRP of 24,840 yen including tax. "DISSIDA FINAL FANTASY" will be introduced from SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. on Thursday, December 18th, 2008 at a RRP of 25,890 yen including tax. SCEJ will also introduce "PATAPON 2 Donchaka♪" on Thursday, November 27th, 2008 at a RRP of 23,800 yen including tax.

SCEJ also announced today that it would launch a new network service this fall that will allow PSP users to connect directly to PlayStation®Store, and to download entertainment content without transferring them through PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) or PC.*1 At the launch of this network service, SCEJ will be releasing game content for the PSP system such as "Mainichi Issyo Portable," developed for PSP from the original PS3 title of "Mainichi Issyo".

Additionally, another free online service will be launched this fall which enables users to play PSP software titles featuring ad-hoc mode over the internet through PS3 with other online players. PSP software titles such as "MONSTER HUNTER PORTABLE 2nd G" from CAPCOM Co., Ltd. will be compatible with this new online service.*2

SCEJ will further expand the PSP platform and create a world of entertainment with the new PSP system, together with strong upcoming new software titles, and attractive peripherals and network services launching for the holiday season.

1. Users need to update the latest system software to use the service, and they will also be able to enjoy the service on PSP-1000 and PSP-2000.

2. Titles and the detailed information of the service will be announced in due course.