UPDATED: Sony at TGS - Full PSP Games to be Downloadable

R.I.P. UMD?

Posted by Staff
The new Sony ChinRest was a hit with the ladies
The new Sony ChinRest was a hit with the ladies
Sony Japan has announced at the Tokyo Game Show that in the very near future, all its first-party PSP games will get a simultaneous downloadable release alongside their UMD launch.

If that sounds like a pain due to having to access PlayStation Store titles via a PC or PS3 with your PSP dangling unceremoniously from a connected USB-cable, fear not. Sony has also announced the long awaiting access to the PS Store direct from its handheld.

October 15th is when Japanese PSP users will get direct access to the PS Store.

SPOnG contacted Sony for word on whether we will see these features in Europe and was told, "We don't have any details on the release date for the Direct PSP store outside of Japan at the moment. Likewise, details (on) the UMD releases is still TBD." Translation: 'They're coming, we just don't have dates yet.'

This is a pretty huge move for Sony, being a significant step towards the day when all games will come in downloadable form. It also looks very much like a big ol' signpost on the road towards UMD's death. If it's a success, we may also see third-party publishers begin to follow suit. Given the opportunity, will you download PSP games rather than buy them on UMD? Let us know in the comments.

Update: Sony has told SPOnG that direct PSP access to the PlayStation Store is confirmed for Europe, but at this stage simultaneous release of UMD games as downloads is not.

Source: SCEJ
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Comments

James1979 9 Oct 2008 12:33
1/2
My fear about digital content is that publishers won't pass the savings on to consumers. I will be reluctant to by an digital product over a physical one unless there's a significant reduction in price as the digital product will have no re-sale value.
deleted 9 Oct 2008 21:32
2/2
i too would be reluctant at first, i mean how much is it for a memory stick you would need a 1GB - 2GB per game at least so that cost + the game cost is it cheaper?

+ dont 40% of europe still have dial up? i dont think it will replace pyshical media too soon, but i one day look forward to it, but i worry for the Pre-owend (USED!) games, also the deals you get on Play and Amazon over your local stores, theres so much grey area when compared to music, unless games can be given digitally via all outlets i dont think its a good idea, of course, SONY, MS & Nintendo would not want that as it would cut into their profits.

the fact its games the delivery can only happen through thr console, we wont have iGames, Napster or Amazon, we wont see Tesco selling them digitally to us, its a big threat to retail, and to online stores.
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