Homebrew coders Sleepper, M@x and the rest of project PSPKVM dev team has recently released the second test version PSPKVM v0.5.5, a port of SUN's phoneME Feature that enables MIDP/JavaME applications to run on the PSP. The latest update features a new file based MP3 playback and added  a "mark all command" to AMS folders.

Download: PSPKVM v0.5.5 Test 2

Homebrew coder Zx-81 has dropped by our forums to release a new version PSPMancala, a homebrew game based on the Awari variant of the classic count-and-capture board game called (you guessed it) Mancala. The latest update now features a more improve graphics and icons, much tougher AI and added EBOOT music.

Download: PSPMancala v1.1.0
Download: PSPMancala v1.1.0 (source)

Homebrew coder Miles is back to release a new version of PSP Daft Punk, a homebrew soundboard based on iDaft that allows you to mashup Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" on the PSP. Now officially called iDaft for PSP, the trippy homebrew app now bares the official iDaft trademark.

Download: iDaft for PSP

Here's some good news for PSP Go owners who want to check out Atlus' upcoming badass beat-em-up title, Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble. The game will be made available on the PlayStation Store as well as retail shelves.

Mootjeuh has released a handy library for those who prefer using C/C++ to code their PSP homebrew projects. This library, called Easy3Dccp, is a collection of functions that makes it easier for devs to use the PSP's 3D engine.


Download: Easy3Dcpp v0.1
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development forum

Digital downloads seem to be the way of the future, looking at the current landscape of the gaming industry now. Even analysts say that retail will be overtaken by digital distribution in a mere three years' time. Nintendo's big boss, Satoru Iwata, begs to differ, however. To him, digital distribution will sure be a hit -- but not till 20 years later.

Brother/sister (no, not really) duo The White Stripes will be making their Rock Band debut next week via a track pack featuring three of their songs. For the handheld rhythm gamers, No Doubt and Dropkick Murphys are also on the way to Rock Band Unplugged's in-game music store.

Sega's introduced some more new characters for Valkyria Chronicles 2, via their official website for the game. Not only that, they've also debuted two new videos that will give you a closer view at what lies in what for you in the game.

This week's PlayStation Store Update is now live. The controversial Rock Band Nirvana track pack is here, so all you rockers out there are sure to enjoy the animated Kurt Cobain rockin' it out alive and well in this game. It's a double treat too as Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl's own band, Foo Fighters, also shares some love in this week's release. Other big releases include Dissidia Final Fantasy for the PSP, Trine's PS3 demo and Ghostbusters: The Video Game on the PSP. Full list awaits after the jump.

It's numbers time again! The latest hardware sales figures from Japan's Media Create has been release, and competition is getting tighter as the PS3 inches closer and closer to the top, needing only about a thousand more units before overtaking the long-reigning DSi.