Sony has releasing two new acccessories in Japan (14th July 2005). Headphones with remote in Black, and a Battery Charger, for people who have spare batteries.

Remote Control with Headphones, PSP-140 B

Battery Charger, PSP-190

A White PSP is soon to be released in Japan. The white PSP value pack comes with all the same contents and the original value pack, but everything is white!

The white PSP is due for release on 15th September 2005, in Japan. Model No: PSP-1000 KCW

On the 27th of July 2005, firmware version 2.0 is released in Japan. The new features are below:

[ Network ]
[ Internet browser ] was added.

[ Video ]
Jump performance was added. (UMD Video and UMD Music)
A-B repeat mode was added. (The UMD Video, the UMD Music and the animated picture which is retained in the “Memory Stick Duo”)
4:3 was added to picture mode function. (The animated picture which is retained in the “Memory Stick Duo”)
Audio change performance was added. (The animated picture which is retained in the “Memory Stick Duo”)
The MP4 (the AVC) it added to the type of file which it can play back. (The animated picture which is retained in the “Memory Stick Duo”)
[ Music ]
The MP4 (the AAC) with the WAVE (the Linear PCM) it added to the type of file which it can play back. (The music which is retained in the “Memory Stick Duo”)

[ Photo ]
Wallpaper performance was added.
Sending and receiving performance of the picture was added.
The TIFF, the GIF, the PNG and the BMP were added to type of file which it can indicate.

[ Setting ]
The Korean language was added.
[ Character set ] was added.
[ Theme setting ] was added.
[ Internet browser starting restriction ] was added to security setting.
The WPA-PSK (the TKIP) it added to the security system of network setting.
Web input support was added to input mode of the keyboard.

Firmware Version 2.0 will be available to download from here.

Source: http://www.playstation.jp/

Sony has released Gamma Pack 3 for Wipeout Pure on the PSP handheld system, providing Wipeout Pure gamers a new track (Sebenco Peak), and new ship (the Van Uber) and a new game skin (Feisar).

With the release of Gamma Pack 3, the Gamma series of tracks is complete, allowing for Gamma Tournament and Descension Tournament unlockables. The Gamma series of downloads will be followed by more downloads, starting with the Classic 2 pack, which will be available August 1.

Gamma Pack 3 weighs in at 5.9 MB and is available through the in game browser or from the Wipeout Pure website.

Sony has now released a firmware update for all North American PSPs. The update upgrades the firmware to version 1.52 and includes several security updates.

“Japan received its own PSP 1.52 earlier this month, and now, US gamers can enjoy the fun of updating their PSPs to the latest version,” reports IGN. “No great features have been added to 1.52 (except the ability to play UMD Music in the main menu). The security updates in 1.52, however, will likely be required in American PSP games sometime soon, as new PSP titles in Japan already require the previous 1.51 update.“

The London based gangster game, subtitled Gangs of London could be available as early as November, as suggested by US based E-tailer EBGames.com.

No other game details are available, but we will update you with more information as soon as it becomes available.

Sony is keeping a tight lid on any details of the release of this game: “We are always looking to bring our most popular franchises to the PSP,” said a spokesperson, “but at the moment we have no official information on this title.”

Sony Computer Entertainment has released a new firmware update for Japanese PSPs that updates system software to version 1.52 and adds more security to the device.

Gamespot reports: “The update will strengthen security on the PSP’s system software and allow UMD music to be selected from the music option rather than the video option on the menu screen. The 13MB update patch is available at the official Japanese PlayStation Web site.”

Konami confirm PES5 for PSP.

Konami have confirmed that their football title – Pro Evolution Soccer – will be making its first handheld appearance on PSP. The idea of handheld Pro Evo, with the possibility of wireless multiplay too, has left many people drooling with anticipation.

The expected UK release date is 28th October 2005.