PSP Could Soon Host Digital Rentals

Kris Erickson • Oct 6, 2009 • Comments ()

The latest PSP firmware version 6.01 contains support for an interesting feature: it provides information about when downloaded games from the PSP were purchased, and when they are set to 'expire'. Of course, normally games don't expire after purchase, only rented video content does. This could be a sign that Sony is planning to unveil a new digital game rental service soon.

Such a scheme would fit well with the digital-only PSP Go business model. Currently, users have no way to get their hands on used or bargain-bin UMD games. The only alternative is to purchase the game at full price. A rental scheme would fill a nice middle ground and would allow Sony to reap a profit as a nice benefit. It would also edge out the competition as the PSN would be the only place where users could rent games (watch out Gamefly!).

Earlier we speculated that rentals might soon be coming to the PSP after Sony floated a questionnaire asking consumers about various pricing options. That questionnaire suggested that the company was looking into a subscription based rental service similar to Netflix. Prices would range from $12 to $50 per month depending on the number of titles on offer.

Another hint that Sony has something planned came from PSP product manager Claire Backhouse, who said in an interview last week that the company will be adding "other entertainment functionalities" to the PSP in 2010.