Fresh PSP Store details emerge News

GamesIndustry.biz has learnt that Sony America is developing at least seven new PSP games for download from the PlayStation Store.

The service - currently only available on PS3 - is due to launch for the PSP and PC next year, and will offer you lot an alternative line-up of titles to those already out on UMD.

You will also be offered PSone games, demos for UMD-based and downloadable games, fresh content for released games and TV content like trailers, behind-the-scenes clips and interviews.

A source close to Sony America says of the seven games being developed internally, three are action, two music-based, one racing and the other a shooter. Each should be around two to ten hours long, and be between one half and one third of the size of the average UMD title.

The platform holder is also currently courting third-party PSP publishers for the Store, because it offers a better financial return for both parties thanks to the exclusion of retail partners.

As well as the new downloadable PSP games, Sony America plans to offer 13 classic PSone titles during 2008, all of which are currently available on PS3.

The new PSP content can be accessed, purchased and downloaded from your local Store to your handheld using a wireless hotspot connection. You will also be able to grab it using a PlayStation Network account on your PC with a USB cable, although nothing will ever be stored on your PC.

The PC service is due to launch this winter in the US, and the PSP service set for later in 2008.

At last month's Tokyo Game Show Kaz Hirai revealed that PSP users would be able to browse and purchase content from the PlayStation Store via a PC, rather than using the PS3, as had previously been the case.

He also said that sign-ups to the PlayStation Network on PS3 had so far passed over 2.7 million users.