PSP Firmware 2.0 is now available for Japanese Consoles. The new update has added several new features to the PSP, these include:

• Internet Browser
• Background and Theme Settings
• Image Transfer
• Character Set
• and More!

Firmware Version 2.0 will be available to download from here.

Here are the official sales information from the PlayStation Meeting 2005:

5.07 million PSPs sold worldwide
2.74 million PSPs sold in USA
2.33 million PSPs sold in Japan & Asia

11.2 million PSP games sold worldwide
7.3 million PSP games sold in USA
3.9 million PSP games sold in Japan & Asia

Just 48 games have been released so far for PSP
150 PSP games will be available by 31 March, 2006

4.3 million UMD movies sold in USA (Including 1 million Spiderman UMD Promo)
Just 400,000 UMD movies sold in Japan & Asia

Japanese Company So-Net has just released a Portable TV site aimed at the PSP. Although the site is currentlt under construction, Japanese owners will soon be able to download and view various video files.

This news couldn’t come at a better time, and it will make good use of the Internet Browser found in Firmware v2.00

The site can be found [ HERE ]

Following Sony’s announcement of firmware version 2.0, and a PSP Web Browser, we have managed to get a hold of a screenshot of the web browser in action.

If you have any further information, photos, or video clips, please email them to admin@xtremepsp.com.

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.“