Whilst the actual launch date for Sony’s long-awaited PS3 Home social networking service remains the thing of mystery for now, Sony has at last invited gamers in Japan to apply for access to the beta version of the service.

Engadget reports that an option in the Japanese PSN Store allows people to sign up and register their interest. 10,000 applicants will then be chosen and notified by email prior to the launch of the service at the end of August.

Further features for Home have also been announced, including a classic arcade area from Namco where users are able to play virtual versions of coin-up classics such as Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Galaga and Xevious.

Access to these games looks to be free – interesting, considering that all have previously appeared as pay-for downloads on Microsoft’s Xbox Live Arcade.