Rumour: PlayStation Store to offer PSP game rentals

Rentals of popular PSP games could be coming to the PlayStation Store if a new marketing survey leaked by Sony suggests.

Console gaming website PS3 Center posted images of a survey not-so discretely sent to select PSP owners. The survey inquires whether a PSP game rental service would be of interest, among other things. A choice among three rental subscriptions is provided.

Given Sony's gradual push toward digital download for PSP, the concept of a more digital distribution for future titles is a certainty. Rentals, however, would be a surprise. No company has ever directly rented games, making this a potential first for the industry.

Before we all get too worked up, let's remember that a marketing survey fact does not make. This is far from a confirmation that a rental service is coming to PlayStation Network, though we wouldn't object to one being announced June 2 at Sony's annual E3 media briefing.