TOKYO--Sony Computer Entertainment network systems chief Izumi Kawanishi confirmed today in an interview with Impress AV Watch that users will indeed be able to download and play back MP3 files on the PSP. Kawanishi also elaborated on quite a few aspects of the PSP's release and development cycle, expressing some doubts about whether or not the PSP will indeed release this year in Japan.

Support for MP3 files is a reversal of a long-standing company policy in which the vast majority of Sony devices supported only the company's proprietary ATRAC3 music format. Last month during the Tokyo Game Show, SCE included MP3s on the list of audio codecs that would comply with the portable hardware, although it made no further announcements.

According to Kawanishi, PSP owners will be able to download MP3 files by connecting the handheld to a PC via the USB port. The PSP will then be recognized by the PC as a USB mass-storage device, and PSP users will be able to simply drag and drop the MP3 files from the computer's hard drive to the PSP.

All such files will need to be stored on a Memory Stick Duo storage card, also manufactured by Sony and sold separately. The Universal Media Disc (UMD) format on which PSP games will ship will not be accessible from a PC if the two systems are linked.

Users will also be able to download music files in the ATRAC3plus format, as well as JPEG images, to the PSP. Browsing and playing back files on the PSP will be done with the Cross Media Bar (XMB) interface, which is the same graphical menu that was used in Sony's PSX system, which is a hybrid of a DVD recorder and PlayStation 2 sold only in Japan.

A button underneath the PSP's LCD screen will apparently allow users to insert a library of stock sound effects while music is playing back, although the reason for the inclusion of this feature remains a mystery.

Kawanishi also mentioned that the PSP will be able to play back video files, in H.264/AVC MP Level3 format. SCE is currently debating whether to release a tool for the PC that allows users to convert videos on their computer to the supported file format, Kawanishi said. In any case, since the PSP has no video-out jack, users will not be able to play back movies on an external screen.

In the interview, Kawanishi provided some background information on the history of the PSP. The system's development began right before its announcement at E3 2003, meaning that the handheld was created in just about 18 months. While its development period has certainly been brief, Kawanishi stated that it is still possible for the system to be released this year in Japan.

But, he said, whether that will happen depends partially on the game publishers, and whether or not they can have software ready for launch. This is the first doubt about the PSP's Japanese release date that GameSpot has heard expressed by a source within SCE--whether this represents the first sign of a delay or is just a friendly poke at third-party software publishers remains to be seen.

Kawanishi also mentioned that SCE is planning to update the PSP firmware in the future, similarly to what the company has done with the PSX. Sony is also considering the release of different color schemes for the PSP in the future. And as a final bit of good news for users who carry their portable systems with them everywhere they go, the final product will have a hard coating on the LCD that will help to protect the unit's large screen from scratches.

GameSpot will continue to follow the PSP story and will update you as soon as concrete pricing and launch details are announced.