SCEJ: PSP Firmware 5.0 on October 15, PS Store for PSP Screens

245w ago - Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has confirmed that the PS Store for PSP will officially launch on October 15, 2008 coinciding with PSP Firmware Update 5.0.

The update will add an XMB icon which will allow users to access the PlayStation Store directly from their PSP consoles. Sony will then begin offering downloadable UMD-based titles on the same day as their retail release.

In related news, IGN has made available the first PlayStation Store for PSP screens along with a description on how you use the store.

To quote: Users will need to connect directly to PlayStation Network from PSP via Wi-Fi connection, and then register for a PlayStation Network account to access the PlayStation Store on the XMBTM (XrossMediaBar) of PSP. PlayStation Network account for PS3/ PC can also be used.

Press Release: PLAYSTATION®STORE FOR PSP® (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE)
TO BECOME AVAILABLE ON OCTOBER 15TH

Users Can Access Directly to PlayStation Store from PSP with over 250 Downloadable Content and Services

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. responsible for business operations in Japan, announced today that it would open PlayStation®Store for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), on Wednesday, October 15, in Japan. Through this new service, PSP users will be able to access directly to PlayStation Store from their PSP to download content and services.

PlayStation Store for PSP will start with over 250 downloadable content and services to offer a variety of entertainment to meet the needs of a broad range of users from casual players to game enthusiasts. Some of the content available on PlayStation Store such as Mainichi Issho Portable*1 will be offered free of charge, while some content, including "Game Archive" titles, will be offered within a price ranging from 300 yen to 600 yen (including tax).

To further enhance the game line-up of PlayStation Store for PSP, all UMD titles to be released from SCEJ will become available in downloadable version as well at release *2, first of which is Destroy All Heros 2 to be released on Thursday October 16, 2008.

SCEJ will further expand the PSP platform and create a world of entertainment with exciting new software titles and network services towards the holiday season.

*1 The game includes some charged items.
*2 Please refer to the attached list for the upcoming PSP titles to be released in UMD and downloadable version.