The PSP-3000 box was spotted on Amazon showing off what looks like PlayStation Network access. Although you can currently access the PlayStation Store using Remote Play through your PS3, this is the first time we’ve seen shots of accessing the PlayStation Store directly from the PSP. Even the PlayStation Network Logo is included on the box, which further suggests PSN connectivity.

Rumors suggest that a future PSP Firmware update, version 5.00, is said to include PSN Connectivity. We speculate that an official announcement will be made at the Tokyo Game Show. It has been confirmed that the next PSP Firmware Version is 4.20.

The new PSP M4M website is partially up usage. We are now starting a beta trial to help test and improve the website. Some users have already been invited to help with testing (emails have been sent out) – if you have not received one, you can apply to the beta here (Google account needed). Instructions on how to access the beta can be found on the group or in the email you have received.

Over the next few weeks, the beta will help to fix bugs, improve the website and generate feedback for us to evaluate. Once the website is ready to launch to the public, we will make another announcement here – so stay tuned.

The latest issue of PSP M4M: Magazine 4 Men is now available to downoad. We would like to apolgize for the delay in releasing this magazine, but now that it’s finally here we hope you enjoy reading it. Issue 24 contains over 160 pages of content with articles on various subjects – this issue isn’t dedicated to a particular subject.

We will soon be launching an official website for PSP M4M, where you will be able to download the magazine (and any back issues), access exclusive photos and wallpaper (from the magazine) and get access to premium content.

[Download PSP M4M i024]

Earlier this week we migrated the website to a newer faster server to help deal with the increase in traffic. There were a few hiccups in the move, which seem to have been resolved now. You should notice a faster surfing experience. If you encounter any problems, please report them in the comments section. We will be changing a few things around over the next few weeks so you may notice a few differences.

The wallpaper gallery was taken offline earlier last week, but is now back online. If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see changed, please use the comment section. The PSP M4M magazine will be released once the team has time to put it together. As for XTREME PSP Mag, we will be continuing work on it soon so look out for more news on that.

At the Games Convention in Leipzig, Sony has officially announced the release of the third-generation PlayStation Portable (PSP-3000). The new PSP model will have a built-in mic, have a enhanced LCD screen what will increase the intensity and number of colours that can be displayed. According to David Reeves, the new PSP will launch in PAL territories on October 15th 2008, retailing for ?199 (approx. $292).

As you are aware, the PSP scene has really died down in the last few months. We less and less things for us to report on, we have decided to delay the next issue of the XTREME PSP Magazine until we have enough content to report on. There is plenty of PlayStation 3 content for us to report on but as the magazine is mainly a PSP mag, we want to ensure there is enough PSP content covered for readers who don’t own a PS3.

We don’t have a ETA on when the next issue will be out but we will keep you posted on our website. As for PSP M4M Mag, it’s still on schedule for launch later this month. We’ve got great content in the upcoming issue including the Red Bull Air Race London and the British International Motor Show.

The video-on-demand service, Go!View, is now live for PSP owners in the UK and Ireland. Go!View is a online download service operated by SCEE and Sky, allowing you to download TV, movies and sport content to your PSPs. Subscribing to the service gives you access to TV shows like Weeds, Hustle, and Little Britain, plus access to the latest movies and sport content. You also get one month free subscription when you subscribe to three entertainment packs.

Entertainment Packs:

• Entertainment
• Comedy
• Sports

Pricing:

• Buy 1 pack for £5/?7 per month
• Buy 2 packs for £8/?11 per month
• Buy 3 packs for £10/?14

[Via: Go!View]

After an announcement over at the PlayStation Blog by Eric Lempel, director of PlayStation Network Operations, PSP Firmware 4.05 is now available for download. This minor update adds new music visualizations: the XMB wave and wallpaper movement. For Japanese PSPs, some minor changes to the One-Seg player are included too. Until the official English changelog is included, we have included the Japanese translated one below.

Japanese Changelog:

• TV
  • Record Book can be multiple.
  • Specifying the date and time are now booking.
  • Book and repeatedly set to allow automatic extension.
  • Silent can now record. Video and audio output without recording.
• Music
  • Visual types have been increased.
    • Wallpaper in the country to choose. Wallpaper on the play of the music in a move like have a rough surface.
    • A time has not been set. Playing the music in a move like a wave swinger.

Issue 36 of the XTREME PSP Magazine is now available to download. Yep, it’s been over three years since the magazine has started and we hope there are many more ahead of us. This issue is packed with content including reviews of Metal Gear Solid 4 on the PlayStation 3 and Lego Indiana Jones on the PSP. We also have a number of new game previews, wallpapers and more.

Content:

• Previews:
  • Hellboy (PSP)
  • WALL-E (PSP)
  • SOCOM: Confrontation (PS3)
  • Prince of Persia (PS3)
  • Call of Duty 5 (PS3)
• Reviews:
  • Lego Indiana Jones (PSP)
  • Secret Agent Clank (PSP)
  • Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)
  • Battlefield: Bad Company (PS3)

[Download XTREME PSP Mag i036]