As we inch ever closer to Home's open beta phase, when the PSN's unwashed masses finally gain entrance, it's clear that preparations are being made for the big day (whenever that may be) behind the scenes. Home producers both sides of the pond have revealed that there will be some server downtime tonight, as they do some jiggery-pokery. The downtime will occur between 2am and 9am EST (7am to Midday GMT).

When they come back up the Mall (or Shopping Centre, in Europe) will be full of purchasable items. While they're technically pay-for items, they will be free to grab for everyone in the closed beta for a limited period and will carry over into the open beta. We have no idea when that will be, so make sure you go ahead and grab them ASAP, just in case. We're assured that if you miss out on getting these items for free, their full price will be pretty cheap and they will "continue to have free items in Home on a regular basis."

Im away to do some shopping.

i wish i had a beta code......

anyone have a spare? please

I already downloaded all the stuff! Who doesn't like free things! The summer home is so cool. I decorated it so nicely.

so...you have to pay real world money to get digital clothes and houses? I guess for some people that's worth it, but I'll be sticking to the free stuff.

I think a much cooler system would be trophy points. The more trophies you have the more "home cash" you have to spend. Put those things to good use, and provide incentive to go back and play some of those games you've already beat.