TGS 08: Firmware 5.00 and PlayStation Store launch next week

The PLAYSTATION Network is coming to the PSP next week -- at least in Japan. Firmware 5.00 will be available on October 15th and will add the built-in PlayStation Store under the new XMB category.

Japan will then get a regular release of downloadable titles through the rest of the holiday season. Games include:

• Yuusha no Kuze ni Namaikida or2 (10/16)

• Bleach Soul Carnival (10/23)

• Secret Agent Clank (11/20)

• Patapon 2 (11/27)

• LocoRoco 2 (12/4)

• Resistance Retribution

Notice how every SCE first-party title is downloadable, including Resistance Retribution? It looks like Sony is finally ready to give up on UMD ... or at least give consumers a viable alternative.