New PlayStation Store: Simply Great

You’ll only need a short time wandering around the new store to realize what improvement has Sony made with this latest launch.

As ArsTechnica notes, the most remarkable change is that instead of the web-based approach now you have an in-dash, software-driven Store which translates as a shift from uneasy menu transitions and page loading to a smooth, streamlined interface. Moreover, this time purchased content is made obvious and kept within the menu, allowing you to distinguish much easier between what's available and what you've already bought.

If you wonder what goes different with the new version, well, if previously the front end of the store was pretty loaded with icons, now there’s a more functional and well-structured button interface. In terms of organizing content the job’s much better dealt with as you can find your way through familiar sections like "New Releases," "Add-ons," "Demos," "Videos," "Themes & Wallpaper," and "Featured Items."

Entering any one section splits the content into PS3 games, PSP games, PlayStation Eye games, PS1 games, Top Downloads, and the requisite "View Genres" and "View A-Z." However, if you want the full list you can easily go to "View All By Title" in the main menu.

Apart from the flashy new look this new release brings a more loyal integration between the PS3 store and the PSP store. Consequently, the PlayStation 3 is now able to operate as a download station for the PSP for more than just PlayStation 1 games: demos, videos, and the large amount of PSP-specific content found before on the PC version of the Store is currently available directly on the PS3 version. Another step forward is that downloading content to the PSP is also much simplified and better integrated with the PS3.