Reality check: PSP Go is here, but UMD isn't going anywhere
Despite everyone heralding the arrival of the PSP Go as the end of UMD, Sony is dual-releasing all future titles on both UMD and digital download.
Time for a reality check for everyone crying tears of joy over the final death of UMD: UMD isn't going anywhere.
At E3 2009, Sony announced that the current PSP will continue to be sold alongside the PSP Go. Sony also announced that all future games would be dual released in both digital download and UMD format.
Sony did not discuss any plans to offer digital downloads of already purchased UMD titles to current PSP owners looking to upgrade to the PSP Go, so the PSP Go is clearly aimed at people who currently don't have a PSP or who have enough disposable money to burn on a new, more expensive PSP that won't play any of their current games without repurchase and which comes with a smaller screen (3.8 inches verses 4.3 inches) for about $80 more.
Sure, the PSP Go is more portable than the PSP, but it's not a good up-sell for current owners in this economy. There's no reason to go to a UMD-less platform when you've already invested a lot of money in multiple UMD titles. Because of this, I think the PSP will continue to outsell the PSP Go, just as the PlayStation 2 outsells the PS3. Anyone notice a trend here with Sony?
Get more information on topics relating to this story:
- Related company news:
- Sony
- Related glossary terms:
- UMD
- Related brand news:
- Sony PlayStation Portable
- Related devices and services:
- PSP-3000, Sony PSP Go
- Related event news:
- E3 2009
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Comments (1)
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GerryG (4:35 PM on Sat Nov 21, 2009)
Wow! I would love to have that new PSP. It looks very techie unlike its predecessors. Hope it wil l go on sale sometime soon so I can buy one and show it to my colleagues at a residential treatment programs office where I work. The guys will be envious for sure!