On November 20th, 2007 Sony initiated a “stealth launch” of the PlayStation Store for the PSP. I’m guessing the store was “stealth launched” for fear of it being blasted by the gaming press for only bringing a few (by the minimum possible definition) new items to actually “purchase.” I guess quite a few PSP owners are probably grateful for Sony freeing us from the $400-$600 tether of a PS3. With the unveiling of this new PlayStation Store, PSP users now have access to…

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PlayStation Classics (PS1) games, direct-download PSP demos/games (sans UMD disc) and a wide variety of image, video, and audio media. While we’re still intercepting top-secret messages hinting that a true “direct to PSP” store is in the works and is “very much coming”, this iteration is a welcome departure from having to have your PSP anchored to your PS3.

Content on the PlayStation Store for PSP is rather scarce now, but it is improving and once Sony forgets to further delay the unveilings of their music, television, and movie services, you can bet the PSP and its store will be tied to them in an impressive way. The store even uses the same log-in credentials as the rest of the PlayStation Network which was a welcome thing to see.

While the online store won’t be able to compete with discount retailers’ clearance bins when it comes to price, there are pluses to digital downloads on the PSP such as increased battery life (from not having to power the UMD disk drive) and if you spin the idea of digital downloads just the right way, you can view it as an “insurance policy.” If your PSP gets stolen, you can replace your PSP (unfortunately, the old fashioned way) and simply re-download all your purchased games again at no additional charge to you. Be sure to disassociate the your old “stolen” PSP though; no need giving more games to the douche bag that stole your PSP!

The PSP PlayStation Store Launch checks in at number 99 on the Sarcastic Gamer Top 100 Gaming Moments of 2007.