Sony has unveiled plans to launch a UMD Passport for its PS Vita console once it officially releases. Gamers with large libraries of UMD games from previous PSP consoles will be able to sign up for access to the new UMD Passport. However, you won’t be able to simply port your game across to play on the new PS Vita device.
Once you have registered and received acceptance from Sony, you will then need to download a free Registration UMD app that will allow you to insert the UMD and link it to a PSN account to register the title. Once this is done, you will then be able to re-purchase the title at a discounted value.
How the UMD Passport Works
The discounted value will be between £4 and £12, states Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, and currently, the UMD Passport supports only around 200 games from 40 publishers. A full list can be found over on the website. This initiative is designed to help gamers transition from the older PSP system to the new PS Vita without losing access to their favorite games. However, it is important to note that not all UMD titles will be available through this program, which may be a point of contention for some users.
The process of registering your UMDs involves several steps. First, you need to download the Registration UMD app from the PlayStation Store. After installing the app, you insert your UMD into your PSP and follow the on-screen instructions to link the game to your PSN account. This process essentially verifies that you own the physical copy of the game. Once verified, you can purchase the digital version of the game at a discounted price, which will then be available for download and play on your PS Vita.
Benefits and Limitations
While the UMD Passport program offers a way for gamers to retain access to their existing game libraries, it does come with some limitations. For one, the need to re-purchase games, even at a discounted rate, may not sit well with everyone. Some gamers might feel that they should be able to transfer their games for free, given that they have already paid for them once. Additionally, the limited number of supported titles means that some favorite games might not be available through the program.
On the flip side, the UMD Passport program does offer several benefits. For one, it provides a legal and straightforward way to transition from physical media to digital downloads, which is increasingly becoming the norm in the gaming industry. Digital downloads eliminate the need for physical storage space and reduce the risk of losing or damaging game discs. Moreover, the discounted prices make it more affordable to build a digital library, especially for those who own a large number of UMDs.
Sony’s decision to implement the UMD Passport program reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry towards digital distribution. As internet speeds increase and storage solutions become more affordable, digital downloads are becoming the preferred method for acquiring games. This shift is not without its challenges, but programs like the UMD Passport aim to ease the transition for consumers.
In conclusion, while the UMD Passport program may not be perfect, it represents a significant step towards modernizing the way we access and play games. By offering a way to convert physical UMDs to digital downloads at a discounted price, Sony is helping to bridge the gap between older and newer gaming technologies. Gamers who have invested heavily in their UMD collections will likely appreciate the opportunity to bring their favorite titles to the PS Vita, even if it means paying a small fee to do so.
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