[Update: added SCEE comment]

Sony Japan will expand its PSP offerings over the coming months with the introduction of the much requested native PSP store and a separate network service enabling users to play PSP titles online through PS3, in addition to a series of PSP-3000 bundles.

This fall Japanese PSP owners will be able to directly access the existing PlayStation Store in order to download entertainment content, meaning they will no longer need to transfer content to the handheld through a PlayStation 3 or PC.

The service, which will launch with PSP game content including Mainichi Issyo Portable, will require users to update their portable with the latest firmware, and will be accessible from all PSP models.

Sony Japan also announced the fall launch of another free online service which will enable users to play PSP titles featuring ad-hoc mode online with other players through PS3. Titles such as Capcom’s Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G will be compatible with the new service, with further service information and compatible title to be announced “in due course”.

We’ve contacted Sony to request potential launch details for the new network features outside of Japan. Back in July SCEA’s John Koller said, "Having a native store on the portable is something we're looking into,” so there’s every likelihood the service will be made available to European and US gamers, but whether it’s this side of Christmas or not is another matter.

[Update: "I'm afraid that the announcement in Japan does not relate to SCEE territories," was all a spokesperson for the company's European arm would offer Edge following Sony Japan's announcement.]

The platform holder also said that the recently announced PSP-3000, which sports an advanced high contrast LCD screen and inbuilt microphone, will retail for 19,800 yen when it hits Japanese stores on October 16, the same price as the current PSP model. The system will debut in three basic colors: Piano Black, Pearl White and Mystic Silver, with plans for additional colors.

The handheld will also be available upon launch as part of a new value pack featuring a number of peripherals. Standalone accessory packs will launch alongside the PSP-3000 too.

Later in the year the handheld will be bundled with upcoming third party titles including Namco Bandai’s Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam, Square Enix’s Dissidia: Final Fantasy and Sony's Patapon 2.

Finally, SCE Japan announced the October 30 release of a new wireless PlayStation 3 Bluetooth headset for 5,000 yen. The ear hook type headset will pair automatically with PS3 via a bundled USB cable and come with a charging cradle.