Official: New PS Store out April 15

via Computer and Video Games


The new PlayStation Store will be unleashed in UK on April 15, Sony has confirmed.

The new Store, which you should have seen plenty of by now, will feature improved menus and functionality over the laggy, web browser-based original, a new preview option that lets you see videos of games before you buy them and other neat tweaks.

"On 15th April, the new look PlayStation Store, the online content store on PlayStation Network launches; bringing with it improved navigation, more functionality and a whole raft of new content," confirms Sony.

"The revamp comes in response to a survey last year which showed that many PlayStation Store users wanted a better interface and easier navigation," Sony says. See, it's good to moan.

Sony adds: "The new design will deliver a hugely improved navigation system, much greater scope for categorisation and a dynamic new user interface."

Just in case you're wondering, your current PSN account will follow you to the new store, assures Sony. "The PlayStation Store revamp will not affect PlayStation Network accounts or the virtual wallet system."

Sony has also confirmed that a content update to follow on April 17 will see the launch of the Metal Gear Solid Online Beta trial.

"To accompany the launch, the PlayStation Store will see an exciting selection of content available from 17th April, consisting of the launch of the Metal Gear Online Premiere Beta, building up to the launch of the next chapter in one of PlayStation's most loved franchises, Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots." Exciting, isn't it?

And there's more: "Also available will be Warhawk: Operation Broken Mirror, a great new addition to the hugely popular Warhawk experience and Lair: Diabolical Dragons Pack and Skyguard Upgrade pack, offering new and exciting features and functions. There will also be a collection of trailers including the latest for GTA IV, as well as a Sega Superstars tennis demo."

It is expected that the new PS Store will be delivered via a new firmware update, version 2.30, which will also pack new DTS surround sound features, although there was no mention of it in the PS Store press release.

It's all go on PS3 this month. More shots of the new PS Store can be viewed below.