SCEA has officially announced the opening of the
PlayStation Store for PC, a web-based front end of the store allowing PSP users to purchase fully downloadable games like
WipEout Pure for their handhelds, as well as download demos, themes and videos.
Currently the service has launched with downloadable versions of existing PSP titles including
Gangs of London ($19.99) and
WipEout Pure ($14.99), and
Syphon Filter: Combat Ops ($9.99), a downloadable online multiplayer PSP title exclusive to the store. The service also has the full selection of downloadable PS one titles already available through the PlayStation 3 store.
The UK version of the store has given users exclusive downloadables
Beats, a rhythm game that utilizes a user's own music, and
Go! Puzzle, as well as downloadable versions of existing titles
B-Boy, Go! Sudoku, and
Fired Up.
To download titles, Sony has prepared an intermediary software installer called the PlayStation Network Downloader, currently available for Windows machines only, which facilitates the transfer to a PSP connected via USB when a user clicks to download any file.
Sony notes that all accounts and "virtual wallets" set up on the PlayStation 3 version of the store will also work on the PC version, "providing a seamless online commerce experience on both PS3 and the PC."
Said SCEA marketing VP Peter Dille, "The library of innovative, downloadable games, videos and entertainment content available through the PlayStation Store provides a new way for PSP owners to get content and demonstrates the continued evolution of PlayStation Network. PlayStation Store for the PC will give the millions of PSP users who do not yet own a PS3 access to PlayStation Network, and enhance the online entertainment experience for users who own both a PSP and PS3 whether they are at home or on the road."
