Sony: Patapon 2 will be Download Only

Kris Erickson • Apr 15, 2009 • Comments (3)

The drama surrounding Sony's rumored plans to drop the UMD format just became a little bit more intense today. Sony has announced that the upcoming release of Patapon 2 in North America will be made via digital download only. In order to placate fans who still want to buy the game in shops, Sony will offer a special version to retailers that simply contains a code to download the game online. Patapon 2 will not use the UMD in any way, and instead will run entirely from the user's memory stick.

In an official statement released this week, Sony used marketing double-speak to somehow argue that they remain committed to the UMD format:

"We're considering the digital only format for the Patapon 2 release as a one time test case as we continue to explore consumer preferences for digital content," reads the statement. "The downloadable game will be available on May 5th at both retail and via the PlayStation Store. We remain focused on providing superior games and entertainment experiences in both the UMD and digital formats and are working closely with our partners to deliver the best PSP line up in our history."

There is no word yet on how fans without an internet connection will be able to access Patapon 2. This news definitely adds additional weight to the persistent rumors that Sony will be dropping the UMD format in the PSP 2.