According to Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Sony Computer Entertainment Patrick Seybold, everything you've heard is true.

"We're considering a digital-only format for the Patapon 2 release as a one-time test case as we continue to explore consumer preferences for digital content," Seybold told IGN. "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."

While you've been able to buy vouchers for games from stores before, this is a first for the PSP and will only fuel rumors that the PSP2 will only play downloadable games. We'll have more information -- such as the possibility of different price points -- as it becomes available.

http://psp.ign.com/articles/972/972368p1.html

so no more piracy ??

UMD-less PSP-4000...Here we come.

sonofa.........my rentals :(

I wonder how they'll track game sales, both in US/Europe and in Japan. We don't get iPhone numbers...

This PSP 4000 being UMD-less, Sony either have another format ala games on memory sticks or they are taking a HUGE gamble. Say a game like MHP2G, I seriously doubt it would be able to reach those numbers by going DD only.

This is going to go belly up and I will be laughing when it happens, this is getting beyond ridiculous now. >:(

I fear this could actually catch on, but with focus on simplistic, iPhone style games...


Which sucks.

big mistake, but tests like this is how they learn.

Yeah what is confusing me is that Sony are saying it is a tester however this rumoured PSP 4000 is going to be UMD less, what happens WHEN DD only goes belly up. Sony won't just bin a huge investment, Sony simply has to have an alternative to UMD or it's going to get very bad.

I could understand a UMD less 4000 but with no difference to the 3000 besides a higher battery life which is pretty much useless. However this 4000 has so many features, it will cause many who do not want DD only to not pick it up.

:/ Sony is a huge business, surely must have thought this through just like releasing a £425 console.

I hope they bring another format to the table because I'm into having physical representation of my games. Perhaps that's lame, but sticking them on a shelf and admiring their box art gives me satisfaction. Also showing them off to my friends and selling used copies when I feel like it gives me control/return over my purchase. DD? No control.

Perhaps the future of DD is inevitable though.