This article was originally published on Gaming Horizon, GameBump's predecessor. It was written by Matthew Call.

Sony has announced that when the PSP launches in Europe on September 1 it will be preloaded with the version 2.0 firmware released in Japan yesterday. The firmware is equipped with a built-in web browser and several new features, including the ability to change the background wallpaper on the PSP’s menu system.

In addition to the new features for the end user, Sony has incorporated several new security updates into the firmware, making it even harder to crack. For the immediate future European PSP users will not be able to use any homebrew applications, such as emulators, on their PSPs. As hackers have certainly already begun work on firmware 2.0 it may be only a matter of time until 2.0 users can also run homebrew apps. However, initial reports have stated that the new security features in 2.0 are daunting so keep that in mind if you are considering the update and use homebrew.

While the 2.0 firmware has been released in Japan, it has yet to make its official appearance on North American shores, although an announcement of an American release is expected in the near future. Gaming Horizon will be sure to make an announcement as soon as the official North American release occurs so check back soon!