In a long-awaited move, Sony has announced that the PSP will be able to connect directly to the PlayStation Store starting October 15. The catch? Currently, the service is only being announced for Japan, though we do expect it to appear worldwide shortly thereafter.

Previously, PSP owners had to connect their device to either a PC or PS3 in order to download content onto the handheld. Now, using an already built-in infrastructure, the PSP will be able to directly access the PlayStation store and download demos, videos, themes and games straight to the the device. Nintendo is planning a similar service for its upcoming DSi, scheduled to be launched in the US sometime in 2009.

This is definitely a smart move by Sony, and one that has been in the works for quite some time. Every little bit of increased convenience helps the PSP in its battle against the DS, and honestly, this is the sort of service that should have appeared with the PSP back when it launched. Still, better late than never. We just hope that this particular good idea is able to migrate out of Japan and into all other Sony territories.