Rumor: Patapon 2 for the PSP to go sans UMD. Update: Rumor Confirmed.

[Queasy]

The Ars Mole strikes again.

This information comes from our very reliable mole, who has proven himself accurate time and time again. He's now sent word that Patapon 2, the sequel to the quirky rhythm game on the PSP, will not be shipped on UMD. Instead, the game will be available via the PlayStation Network for $15 and?here's the twist?the game will also be sold in retail stores. The PSP cases will be empty, with a voucher for the download inside. If you purchase the product at retail, it will be $19.99. You'll also be able to purchase the download code via the web sites of certain retailers. Again, you'll buy a code the unlocks the download. There will be no UMD, physical copy of the game available.

As Ars mentions, I also wonder if the PSP (and possibly the DSi) will eventually become cardless/diskless. The DSi already seems to be headed that route as all of the DSi specific software has only been released through Nintendo's online store.

 

[R Nilla]

Seems like an announcement at E3 for a PSP2 that does not use physical media would follow nicely from this, which has also been widely speculated.

 

[Queasy]

Rumor Confirmed

Sony has released a statement today announcing that the upcoming PlayStation Portable game Patapon 2 will be a download only title. You will be able to purchase the title through the PlayStation Network or you can go to a store and buy a download code, similar to the GTA IV expansion pack The Lost and Damned. They said that they are doing it as a test case, but if I remember correctly there were some rumors not too long ago about a UMD-less PSP. Maybe that is what they are testing for? Hit the jump to read the full statement.

"We're considering the digital only format for the Patapon 2 release as a one time test case as we continue to explore consumer preferences for digital content," reads the statement. "The downloadable game will be available on May 5th at both retail and via the PlayStation Store. We remain focused on providing superior games and entertainment experiences in both the UMD and digital formats and are working closely with our partners to deliver the best PSP line up in our history."

 

[ChaoZ]

With all the caps on broadband I don't think a download only option is a good thing.

 

[Auryg]

Originally posted by: ChaoZ
With all the caps on broadband I don't think a download only option is a good thing.

PSP and DS games are pretty small. Well, DS games are at least.

But yeah, someone needs to get something done on that front.

 

[mmntech]

Originally posted by: Auryg

Originally posted by: ChaoZ
With all the caps on broadband I don't think a download only option is a good thing.

PSP and DS games are pretty small. Well, DS games are at least.

But yeah, someone needs to get something done on that front.

Some are, some aren't. LocoRoco is about 500mb. I would assume Patapon 2 would be about the same. Siphon Filter I think exceeds 1gb. DS game cards have a 1 gigabit capacity, so 128mb maximum.

I would really like to see the PSP2 go the same route as the DS with flash based game cards, rather than UMD or download only. Either that or Sony is going to have to drastically reduce the MSRP for Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. The 8gb ones are still over $66-$70. I'd love to see a PSP with an integrated 1.8'' HDD like the iPod Classic has. That's the only way downloadable games would work, for me anyway.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Crap, the game is only going to be $15 from PSN? Why the F am I pre-ordering it from amazon then??? Cancel time!