After the rumor involving Patapon 2 and its digital download-only release in North America was confirmed, some felt this was a clear indicator of the PSP2 being developed without a UMD drive being true. However, Sony’s John Koller is insisting that UMD support for the PlayStation Portable is still very much important to the company. Speaking with GI.biz, Koller discusses that importance.
"We look to the tangible disc as continuing to be very important. I think there’s certainly a consumer out there who values tangibility. We say that a lot in our research."
While this is intended reassure gamers who continue to expand their PSP library of titles, it’s not very convincing. Let’s get this out of the way: don’t be surprised if the new PSP doesn’t support UMD.