Sony to offer good-will program for UMD PSP to PSP Go upgraders

So what will happen to all of your old UMD games if you buy aPSP Go? You'll be able to procure digital copies of those discs, maybe even for free.

I asked Sony'sJohn Koller, Director of Hardware Marketing for Sony, what the company planned to do for their most loyal fanbase—those who'd amassed a large collection of UMDs but who'd also like to play these games on the Go. His response:

We're in the midst of putting together a good will program. We'll be unveiling that soon [because] we actually think there's a significant group that will be upgrading from the 1000...In the past, we've seen a 20-25% trade-up factor, and I assume that's going to be the case here. We've modeled that. So we're looking at a good-will program—a short term good-will program that would continue for years afterward."

Short-term for years afterward? In other words, the program itself will last for years, but these digital game copies will be tied to either when you bought the UMD or the PSP Go—such specifics were not made clear.

Speaking more regarding the technical aspects of the good will program, Koller explained while the distribution model was still in the planning stages, the user's experience would be similar toPortable Copy—a way in which Blu-ray movies can be ripped and converted from the PS3 to the PSP. However, Koller assured me that users would not be ripping their UMDs. Instead, it sounds likePSPSony will use a PSN-based digital distribution model will "encourage" users to sign up for the service.

But the neatest thing about Koller's Portable Copy comparison? Portable Copy is free. So we're doubting that Sony will charge for the service—though we have no confirmation. Unfortunately, Koller also slipped in that Sony's "looking at what kind of games will be offered." In other words, Sony's good-will program will probably not apply to every title in the PSP's library, but given that there are only a few that matter anyway, maybe this limitation isn't such a big deal.

SAUCE

if so, I just might upgrade.

Thats great, but i dont think i ll be paying 250 bucks for that thing NO WAY. I ll go as far as 120 and thats all i m paying, so if sony wants my money they should lower the price!Solid_Tango

[QUOTE="Solid_Tango"]Thats great, but i dont think i ll be paying 250 bucks for that thing NO WAY. I ll go as far as 120 and thats all i m paying, so if sony wants my money they should lower the price!coltsfan4ever

[QUOTE="coltsfan4ever"]

[QUOTE="Solid_Tango"]Thats great, but i dont think i ll be paying 250 bucks for that thing NO WAY. I ll go as far as 120 and thats all i m paying, so if sony wants my money they should lower the price!savebattery

I don't see why people are whining about the price of the PSP Go. The PSP 3000 is still in bountiful supply, and the PSP Go is certainly a reasonable price for a portable media device (think iPod touch.)Timstuff

They need more than a goodwill program when they're asking £250 for it. :P

I don't see why people are whining about the price of the PSP Go. The PSP 3000 is still in bountiful supply, and the PSP Go is certainly a reasonable price for a portable media device (think iPod touch.)Timstuff

This is a very nice offer. It certinly gives people a motive to upgrade (honest people that is).

on the other hand - if the DSi lacked any cart slots then it would of failed big time!

If I'm able to get all of my UMD games & movies on to the Go for free I will buy one. If not, I'll stick to the 2000 model.

Well that is all groovey pants but $250 for a handheld? I could buy an Xbox 360 for that....considering the DSi (which is also a rip-off) is $180 that $70 price difference is going to make a big difference in this economic climate.