Sony is working on a method for existing PSP owners to transfer UMD games to the PlayStation Go's digital format.
Sony's new PlayStation Go looks like a massive improvement over earlier PSP models and the decision to abandon the UMD format in favour of a digital-only handheld console was a welcome move. One problem that remains however is that gamers upgrading from a PSP to a PlayStation Go won't be able to bring their UMD games across with them...or will they?
Well, we don't know - though Sony is apparently working on hard on finding a solution to the UMD problem and allowing gamers to bring their games libraries with them.
"
We are looking into programs for owners who have previously purchased UMD titles and want to exchange them for digital versions," said Sony Computer Entertainment's Brian Keltner in a comment to
Kotaku. "
It's something we are still hammering out the details. As soon as we have solid plans in place we will make an announcement."
The current rumour is that Sony is looking to build kiosks where PSP owners can go to transfer their UMDs into a digital format, but Sony hasn't commented on the rumour.
Keltner went on to add that no matter what system is settles the company does hope to have a system in place before the PlayStation Go ships, though it can't commit to that right now.
The PlayStation Go is due to go on sale in America and Europe on October 1st, with some
pricing details already announced at E3 2009.
Would you be willing to travel to a transfer kiosk to turn your UMD games into digital copies? Let us know in
the forums.
come on Sony!!!! use your braaaain. i'm turning into the inquirer with my Sony slurring.
If they let me swap my umd's for digital version at no cost then im for it so I can have all my games with me on the go
There are two types of peopel, those that dont care about physical disc and those that do. Sony are providing for both types of people.
what happens when the 16gb's is full, can u delete a game but have the option to download it again for free in the future ale steam?
just wondering as there is no way i'm payin 200quid for that psp go
Thats how it works on PS3, you can redownload them, or archive it off to other media.
At the end of the day, this is the company that blessed us with SecuROM.
same name, different opinion! i just think a kiosk situation isn't the best solution... perhaps if they incorporated it into GAME and Gamestation etc... but that's unlikely. it would be better if you could enter the game's serial number online and get an a key to retrieve ur games on the PSGo. As long as they dont end up with a Valve situation where you have to send off proof of purchase etc, too long winded.
They are stuck between a rock and a hard place with this, especially hard to appeal to people who like physical media when the whole platform is geared towards ditching it...
+1 to this. I have no idea what solution they will come up with, but it will probably be cumbersome and will definitely have it's flaws.
Regarding the Go itself, I saw no reason to get the PSP3000 over the Slim & Lite (what screen ghosting? Not a problem for me and I don't want scanlines, thanks...), and I see no reason to get the Go over either of the previous models - from what I've seen, nothing is "new". Aside from the Slim & Lite, the biggest/best changes to the PSP have come with newer firmware versions - and subsequently the customised versions (who needs a PS3 to access the PSN now, huh? ;)). Might be good if you're new to the platform, but don't bother if you already have a Slim & Lite (if you have a Phat PSP, then get a Slim & Lite, dammit! ;))
Eventually the firmware of the Go will be modded and hackers/modders will come up with better ways to transfer UMDs to the new Go. I already do this; with CFW (custom firmware) on my Slim & Lite, I have been able to convert all my UMD games to compressed ISOs (never seen a performance hit yet) and I use a large capacity Memory Stick. The battery life is so much better without using the UMD drive so I'm already enjoying that benefit. CFW wins every time.
Let's not forget that Sony also gave us XCP (through SonyBMG), as well as SecuROM.
A kiosk wouldn't work unless it took your cartridge, and they will never allow you to keep a digital and physical copy. Not a chance in hell. That would basically be them saying "Here, have a free copy of our game". Sure, What are you going to do with a cartridge when you get a PSGo? Not much, but I'm sure everyone has a friend with an original PSP...
The only method that would work would involve handing over your cartridge. Whether it be a kiosk swallowing it up, or you having to send it off to Sony for a serial key or some other form or unique identification that would allow you to retrieve a digital copy.
If you then sell your UMD then people would be able to play it on a PSP but not the PlayStation Go as it would be registerd to you, not them :)
That's a damn good idea - so that's probably *not* what Sony will do! :D
Again, you are basically getting another copy of the game for free. No company in their right mind would do that.
It might sound like a good idea to you BLC, but let's be honest, Sony are quite likely to not do anything like that. And in all fairness, I wouldn't do it either.
you still need a reason for B&M stores to carry your product. They won't just carry a console that is purely digital distribution and some accessories.
While they are keeping some games on UMD they should also be making it so that there is a special code or jsut a code in a box to physically purchase so B&M will actually sell your device.
Next gen consoles will have to do this.
No, You can re download all your games again and again. The games are not locked to the PSP unlike xbox live games which are locked to the console.
I have 2 bought games for PSP and downloaded them several times by PS3, PSP and PC.
I was seeing family overseas and filled my card with films for the flight. When I arrived I used their PC to redownload my games and moved them onto my memory stick after deleting the films and off I was playing again.
If you use your PC to download the game then you have a copy on your PC as a back up. Same if you download on the PS3. Or if you downloaded it onto the PSP, you can plug it into your PC via USB or stick your memory card into a PC and back it up. Still, you can just redownload it again from PSN for free.