PSP downloads service looms

UK service in stores from Friday

Tomorrow will see Sony launch a brand new, WiFi-based, PSP downloads service. What's more, its completely free if you visit one of Sony's partner-stores, spread liberally across the country. Apparently, GAME in Oxford Street, London, will be at the heart of the new service's launch, and you'll be able to snag game demos, music tracks, movie trailers and more totally free.

GAME in Milton Keynes are also promising to celebrate the new service with a number of puzzle-based competitions feature LocoRoco, with white PSPs and more up for grabs. As with the DS WiFi Connection service, the downloads available cannot be saved to disk, and will therefore evaporate when the machine is switched off - presumably Sony are worried about DRM issues on this front, though the ability to trial games is certainly a useful service.

A smorgasbord of stores across the UK are joining in to offer PSP gamers these trial-opportunities, and the service will be fully operational next year. A list of locations offering the service to-date can be had at www.playstationspot.co.uk. More soon.

By Luke Guttridge