Concerns are being voiced over the fact that Sony’s PSP still doesn’t have a dedicated download store, and the launch of the upgraded PSP is soon with us.

Sony hopes to pitch the new PSP up against the iPod but many experts say a download store is critical to its success.

Sony has recently refused to name a date for the launch of a store, citing Digital Rights Management (DRM) issues as the delaying factor, and simply saying that the upgrade will launch with "short-form" games. It’s unclear exactly what this means but it may mean no music and no films.

John Koller, a spokesman for the PSP, has spoken saying that Sony are looking for a good way to combat piracy. However many analysts have said that it is crucial to find a solution if Sony want to see its handheld succeed.