Sony rolls out overhauled Playstation Store for PS3

JAPANESE CONSOLE MAKER Sony launched a complete redesign of its Playstation Store for the Playstation 3 (PS3) today.

The online store now features an overhauled user interface with an easier to use search function.

Sony has ripped out the old search engine and onscreen keyboard and replaced it with a system that encourages you to build searches one letter at a time, suggesting games titles for key letters.

The new search engine also allows you to filter searches by game type, price, release date and accessories.

Sony said the Playstation Store is available now in Europe on all Playstation Network connected PS3 computer systems, however it won't reach customers in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Mexico until 23 October.

Earlier this month, Sony also launched its Playstation Mobile Store, an online gaming marketplace available for smartphones and tablets. Previously branded Playstation Suite, the service is available on Sony Xperia phones and tablets, select Android devices and the Playstation Vita console in nine countries including the US and UK, Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia.

The store also provides a vehicle for third-party software developers and publishers to offer new content like games for portable devices. µ