So what happens with the existing PSP games?

[SunnyD]

This is all probably old news - but apparently Sony will be pushing out a new PSP at E3, featuring no UMD drive.

My question - what happens to all the previously released titles on UMD? They're saying they expect about 200 games available for download when this PSP launches, but what are the odds they're going to backport the entire PSP library do downloads?

I'm personally pretty interested, as I've always thought the PSP was a great platform but suffered because of the UMD drive (an expensive addition to the PSP). Granted the new PSP isn't likely to be any cheaper, but still I'm curious.

 

[blurredvision]

If you want to continue playing your current UMD collection of games, don't upgrade to the new PSP. If you don't like the idea of having to re-purchase games you already own on UMD in order to play them on this new PSP, then don't upgrade.

From what I've read, it really seems like they are positioning it as an evolutionary step of the PSP and not a full-fledged sequel, which I think is a big mistake. They are going through so much trouble to redesign it, the might as well add a second analog stick on there, beef up the hardware, and slap a number two on the end.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Maybe there will be a snap-on UMD drive? Or a trade-in program?

The slider design mockups look nice, but I'm going to wait until it's officially announced before I work up any angst for existing PSP mateys -- err, owners.

 

[Rifter]

This seems stupid unless you can somehow transfer your old games onto the new system. If you had to re buy games you already own that would be lame.

 

[biggestmuff]

Out of curiosity, what is the storage capacity for a UMD?

EDIT: Nevermind. I realized it's easily Googled.

Maximum capacity: 1.80 GB (dual layer), 900 MB (single-layer)

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Rifterut
This seems stupid unless you can somehow transfer your old games onto the new system. If you had to re buy games you already own that would be lame.

They aren't forcing you to buy the new system, though.

 

[Liberator21]

I *believe* owners of the PS3 will have a free or low-cost alternative to somehow copy their existing games to the PS3 hard drive, then transfer to memory stick or whatever for the new PSP. Can't say where I read it, but it will be a free download with the next update from PSN to make it easily manageable. Not a perfect method as not everyone owns a PS3, but its a start I guess. Still a bunch of hoops to go through though.

 

[fatdragondzc]

I don't really think there is a need to upgrade to the new Umd-less PSP. Unless you really don't like the idea of carrying around UMD discs, then it might be a viable option to go digital. But AFAIK, the old PSPs can still do digital downloads from the PSN store. The new PSP (i think) probably has a better battery life due to the removal of the UMD drive, and maybe a few minor upgrades here or there. We'll find out soon when E3 comes. I think I read on Kotaku or some gaming news site that Sony did say something about re-releasing some of their "greatest hits" in digital format.

 

[Baked]

No moving parts? Shit, I can finally buy a PSP. Always wanted to play MLB The Show on it.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: fatdragondzc
I don't really think there is a need to upgrade to the new Umd-less PSP. Unless you really don't like the idea of carrying around UMD discs, then it might be a viable option to go digital. But AFAIK, the old PSPs can still do digital downloads from the PSN store. The new PSP (i think) probably has a better battery life due to the removal of the UMD drive, and maybe a few minor upgrades here or there. We'll find out soon when E3 comes. I think I read on Kotaku or some gaming news site that Sony did say something about re-releasing some of their "greatest hits" in digital format.

My whole point would be the fact that I don't currently own a PSP (I've had one in the past, would like one again). But if 3/4 of the library that the PSP currently enjoys gets thrown out the window with the new PSP... I'd be hard pressed to call it a good deal.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

From what I understand, they are planning to put kiosks at game retailers that will allow you to transfer umds to psp for little or no charge.

 

[Dari]

Isn't this just a rumor at this point?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: Dari
Isn't this just a rumor at this point?

Yes. We don't know yet if the new PSP is coming out, whether it will have any UMD support, what % of the existing UMD library will be made downloadable, or whether there will be any way to transfer or trade in any UMDs you own.

Maybe it will have SixAxis tilt sensors and full PS2 BC