Internet Uproar Over Sony PSP Go Lack Of UMD-to-PSP Conversion For USA
The big PlayStation story of today is definitely the revelation of no UMD-to-PSP conversion for PSP Go owners. This means you can not play or download digital versions of the UMD game you already own, and Sony Computer Entertainment America has scrapped plans for any type of conversion service. This is a tough move for Sony, and from some of the comments I’ve seen around the web they will lose some prospective customers from this choice. But how expensive and tedious would it be to court every single developer and have digital versions of every game? I’m not really clear about the logistics of it all but it sounds like an enormous task. It could be done, though. Just imagine if Sony DID have digital versions of every game to download. It would be the true gaming app store.
Of course, there are other issues. “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 representative told IGN.
I can see the logic in a move like this, though. The regular PSP is at a very attractive price point, is available right now with an unbelievable wealth of games, and has a solid base of users. For new gamers getting into the PSP scene the PSP Go is an attractive product because it is small, gorgeous, and has a large gaming library to choose from as well. All games released after October 1st on UMD will have a downloadable version. It is a shame they won’t be offering some free games to existing PSP owners purchasing it. Sony Europe is offering several free games for UMD owners, so why can’t the USA?
I have 16 plus UMD games, inc ones from Japan, and have no intention on buying a PSP GO, I like my UMD’s and game cases. I feel more like buying a back up PSP 3000 if anything. Not sure why they are doing this when so many good games are coming out on UMD (like Persona
Well, the fact that Europe is getting all these deals is pretty clear that Sony is investing in the Euro and the Pound and has lost faith in the American dollar because the U.S. is in SO MUCH DEBT. Hey I don't blame them, business is business.
I am very disappointed to hear there will not be a UMD conversion process for the PSP Go. Not only will this discourage existing PSP owners from buying a PSP Go, but it will also keep some perspective buyers (like me) from getting one as well. I was about to buy my first PSP, a 3000, when the Go was announced. I thought I would hold off since Sony said the Go would have UMD support. Now I know I won't be purchasing a Go.
I want to have the flexibility to use both physical media (UMDs) and digital downloads. Why? Because I wanted to be able to pick up UMD movies, older games, and pre-owned games, which are all UMD based. Having digital downloads be the only way to purchase ties the consumer to one price point. I'm a comparative shopper, and I want the flexibility to buy things on sale or pre-owned, especially given the current economy. There are no pre-owned digital downloads, and it also removes any competitive pricing between retailers.
If I get a PSP now, it will not be a PSP Go. Bad move, Sony.
There is some point to that, as they sell the PSPgo for $250 in the US and EUR 250 (=$370) in Europe. But then again, the US is a large market that they cannot ignore
Too bad, SCEA won't do it. I think it's a mistake and it won't help Sony sell the PSP Go. Who knows, they might change their mind around the holidays and come with some sort of promotion anyway. I sure hope so for current PSP owners in the US that want to buy a PSP Go
This handheld is going to fail epically. It's more expensive. The games are more expensive. Everything about it is more expensive while at the same time, the handheld is crippled in so many ways
As much as I find it really sad that this wont be happing, as I for one was also looking forward to downloading all my UMD-owned games on my PSP Go! I never really had any idea how it would be possible to do without people passing on games for free so I can fully understand the problems this would make for SCE to do it.
I thought a idea, if all the new UMD games come with a code (like the digital portable versions of films in some Blu-Ray films) so when you buy the UMD version, you also get a digital one too. This would make retailers like the Go more, as well as make the sales of both the 3000 and Go rise as people may start to own both consoles for this reason.
But maybe a fresh start is needed for the Go. I will still be grabbing myself a Go on launch, as Europe gets 3 free downloadable games AND Grand Tursimo to get you started; so that's FOUR games with a PSP Go! I don't understand why SCEA are not putting up this offer too, it's a great package to get people buying the Go at the start.
As much as I find it really sad that this wont be happing, as I for one was also looking forward to downloading all my UMD-owned games on my PSP Go! I never really had any idea how it would be possible to do without people passing on games for free so I can fully understand the problems this would make for SCE to do it.
I thought a idea, if all the new UMD games come with a code (like the digital portable versions of films in some Blu-Ray films) so when you buy the UMD version, you also get a digital one too. This would make retailers like the Go more, as well as make the sales of both the 3000 and Go rise as people may start to own both consoles for this reason.
But maybe a fresh start is needed for the Go. I will still be grabbing myself a Go on launch, as Europe gets 3 free downloadable games AND Grand Tursimo to get you started; so that's FOUR games with a PSP Go! I don't understand why SCEA are not putting up this offer too, it's a great package to get people buying the Go at the start.