James Delahunty
25 Sep 2009 13:56
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has confirmed to Kotaku that PlayStation Portable (PSP) owners will not be able to exchange their games on Universal Media Disc (UMD) media to PSPGo digital copies before the launch of PSPGo next week. The PSPGo does not feature a UMD drive, and relies on Internet purchases to download games that can be installed on the system.
"We were evaluating a UMD conversion program, but due to legal and technical reasons we will not be offering the program at this time," a Sony Computer Entertainment of America spokesman told Kotaku. The statement is in contrast to comments from this year's E3 in Los Angeles where Sony officials said they hoped to have a plan in place to transfer customers' UMD titles to PSPGo at launch.
"We are looking into programs for owners who have previously purchased UMD titles and want to exchange them for digital versions," Sony Computer Entertainment's Brian Keltner told Kotaku at the time. "It's something we are still hammering out the details. As soon as we have solid plans in place we will make an announcement."
Some game retailers have already refused to carry the PSPGo. One rumored plan was to install Sony kiosks in retail stores which would have exchanged UMD discs with digital copies.