Sony planning app store for PSPgo?

General we'd believe that the word 'free' isn't in Sony's vocabulary, but Destructoid is reporting that the electronics giant is encouraging developers to create smaller, non-retail games and applications for the PSP.

Apparently, the new feature will be added to the PlayStation Store for PSP games and applications, with a 100MB file size limit, are expected to cost somewhere between two and six dollars on a tiered pricing structure. This new shelf on the PlayStation Store could even include free software.

So far there's been no official word from Sony, but an announcement is expected this August at Gamescom in Germany, though it did take the opportunity to reiterate its position on downloadable content.

"The goal with this move is to support development of smaller titles from a broader range of developers and publishers," said Sony's Al de Leon. "As part of this effort, we're also streamlining the development process, including concept approval, licensing, and publishing."

Should this rumour proved to be true, this could be exactly what the PSP needs to compete with the iPhone - regardless of whether Sony believes it's in competition with Apple or not. This is big news of the reborn PSP, and could be just what Sony needs to help it sell the hardware update, the PSPgo.

It's worth noting, however, that even if this does prove true it doesn't necessarily mean such a service will be available globally. Sony is notorious for being very territorial about such matters, so don't get too excited until you've actually seen it on your PSP screen.