Sony Japan has announced a few significant new PlayStation Portable networking features, as reported by IGN.psava
Top of the list is direct PSP access to the PlayStation Store via the handheld’s web browser. At long, long last, you’ll be able to download demos, full games and other media without having to plug your PSP into a PC or PS3. To celebrate this much-demanded feature, Sony will make Mainichi Issyo Portable freely available on the Store at launch (you’ll have to pay for additional modes and items, mind).
Even more impressively, Sony Japan plans to let PSP owners play Ad Hoc multiplayer online via a PSP-to-PS3 connection. The manufacturer has confirmed that the hugely popular Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G will be among the first games to support this new service. During online Ad Hoc play, you’ll also be able to use your PSP for text and chat messaging.
The updates are scheduled for release this fall in Japan, and will be compatible with all existing PSP models. North American and European dates are hopefully to follow. [PSU]