Dave Perry absolutely 'certain' next PSP will forego UMD

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 25th 2009 at 1:45PM }

Everyone on the internet seemingly has an "inside source" at Sony. Did you know that a forum poster's best friend's cousin works at Sony R&D and TOTALLY wants to spill the guts on firmware 3.00? Yeah. Dave Perry, former COO of now-defunct Acclaim, left a Twitter message claiming to have heard about Sony's next PSP. "I hear Sony FINALLY has the PSP 2. And thank goodness, they've removed the stupid battery-sucking UMD disc drive. I'm excited!"

GameDaily BIZ followed up on Perry's tweet, and it appears Perry is willing to go on record with his statement. "I can't reveal my sources, but you can be certain there's no UMD, which means fully digital online device, and you know I know people."

We usually doubt anyone that claims to have an unnamed source at Sony -- and we still place a lot of doubt on this industry alum. However, his rumor is given a bit more weight thanks to a similar report at PC Watch released today, which states that SCEI is currently looking into PSP2 development much more seriously. Certainly, something is happening behind the scenes. Will Perry's claim come true?

Tags: dave-perry, psp, psp-2, psp2, rumor

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

nlspoh @ Feb 25th 2009 2:03PM

David Perry, where do i know that name from... ah right, 2moons. good times.
anyway, im all for the UMD disc drive removal in the next version although id like to see some incentive to switch over. like possibly letting users download games they have already purchased on UMD. id have to buy a much larger memory stick unless the new version comes standard with 8gb or more.

Gaucho @ Feb 25th 2009 2:38PM

Agree 100%

billzilla @ Feb 25th 2009 2:50PM

What's wrong with going slot load and letting us 'older, mature gamers' take care of the bare PSP1 discs instead of dealing with those crappy plastic cases? I mean, my problem with UMD was never battery life - it was trying to glue my games back together after a couple of months.

Put emphasis on downloads, sure, but abandon all those UMD owners out there and Sony's going to piss a lot of people off. Of course, they did it with the PS3, so I wouldn't put it past them to do it again...

Eric E @ Feb 25th 2009 3:38PM

How's this for a compromise!
USB UMD Drive! for a reasonable price, i've been pushing this idea since software sales went slow.

1)Plug into PS3 to allow PSP emulation (like super gameboy) Increase PSP software sales for people who have a ps3 but dont want a PSP but like the games.
2)Plug into PSP2 if you want so you can still play legacy games on the go!
3)Movies too! for both!

*you may worry about piracy but you can use the PSP has a USB UMD drive after hacking it anyway so whatever.

Saikisen @ Feb 25th 2009 10:08PM

2moons had its good times with a guild but it totally stuck in the end ( I was in the closed beta and first 15 days of OB until I got bored of it). It was a reptitive kill and run thing. Korean Grind Fest is what my friends commonly refer it to.

Lol thanks for the flash back though, now I remember who David Perry was since they always wrote his name and how it would end up being awesome when they released it in english. Truthfully, meh, 2moons showed no significant differences to Dekaron ( korean version of 2moons).

As for the PSP, I didnt even know David Perry was into that stuff but meh. Considering that games load faster off the memory stick anyways and is silent rather than hearing the small hissing from the UMD drive= good. You gotta get over it eventually. Plus the PSP1 is a 10 year thing I think so I wont doubt the fact that they will cut off all software from it. Continuing PSP2 while it continues, it works. Only thing that might tick off a few people is the exclusives PSP2 has that is inaccessible to the PSP1 but then again noone was ticked off when ps3 happened so theres no valid reason to even argue about exclusives on psp2.

As long as they don't completely cut off software and updates to the PSP1 it should be fine. It was only a matter of time before PSP2 entered the scene. Just that it may be released somewhat earlier than expected.

JuanDHexen @ Feb 25th 2009 2:07PM

I don't get it how is it going to play games.

X,L113TFD @ Feb 25th 2009 2:10PM

I hope it uses a disc of some kind. Downloadable games are great, but I want the option of using discs too.

chad @ Feb 25th 2009 2:25PM

Are they going to piss off the UMD owning PSP1 people and not offer a free digital copy of their existing games? Or will they make some type of UMD drive to rip old games into digital format to play on the PSP2?

Saikisen @ Feb 25th 2009 10:13PM

hmm. Im thinking they are going to keep hard media. Just in a different kind of way. Keeping two memory stick slots or something like that. The first slot for your personal media needs where you can store your games on off the psn store while the second slot could be a whole new thing. Perhaps a new kind of stick format thats exclusive to games. Or memory sticks with licensing things on it ( I wouldnt know about that) but cutting off retail is ridiculous, I dont think sony is stupid enough to pull that.

jarhead906 @ Feb 25th 2009 2:26PM

I still don't understand why Sony would begin to give the starving animals known as PSP owners some fantastic games if they already have a PSP 2 in the works.

I mean LBP, Motorstorm, Rockband, Assassin's Creed, MLB '09 The Show? If they really have a PSP 2 in the works then why wouldn't they hold off on these fantastic games for the new 'version'?

Having just released the PSP 3000 really doesn't make a lot of sense either. Perhaps Sony just wants to be ready and will bide their time until PSP sales halt abruptly.

Oz @ Feb 25th 2009 7:31PM

Word. The idea of a PSP2 sounded that much more believable a couple of weeks back, when Sony was still at lost about having a handheld. Noe that they have announced shitload of games they are going for a new console? Doesn't really match.
I wouldn't be surprised if it is in the works, but the idea of a PSP2 hitting for the next couple of years sounds forced. It doesn't really match how sony has been dealing with their consoles.

chad @ Feb 25th 2009 2:28PM

What about the UMD buying PSP1 playing people? Are we going to get the option to freely burn our UMD's into digital data or get some type of voucher to get our UMD games in digital format?

Angel Mass @ Feb 25th 2009 2:33PM

So what they are going to use now to storage games other than download them?

Fick @ Feb 25th 2009 2:41PM

What do you care, Dave Perry of Acclaim? It's not like you guys make games anymore...

Saikisen @ Feb 25th 2009 10:26PM

They made stupid games anyways. 2moons was a repetitive kill and move thing which gets annoying after like 2 weeks of gameplay. I've played all of acclaims mmorpgs, cept that dancing one, and they weren't bad, but not good either. Bots was plain weird.

billzilla @ Feb 25th 2009 2:47PM

He sounds like a dolt. "And thank goodness, they've removed the stupid battery-sucking UMD disc drive..." -- I've always gotten at least 5-6 hours out of my PSPs, all the way back to the 1000. Weeks in game-freeze suspend mode.

"And you know I know people!"

Mazrael @ Feb 25th 2009 4:19PM

lucky if I get 4 hours out of mine, think mine is a 2000. then if I haven't played it for about 3 weeks, it's dead & I need to charge it up, even after a full charge

billzilla @ Feb 28th 2009 9:54PM

The only thing I can do with a PSP that nets me under 4 hours runtime is watch a UMD video. Sounds like you need a new battery - maybe an extended 2000-compatible.

How many other devices can you leave for three weeks on suspend (not off, this is a freeze-game stanby mode like a laptop hibernation)? Unless you actually power it off, it's still drawing power. The DS fares worse on 'suspend' - I usually just get to a save point and turn it off, because it doesn't even last a week in that mode.

Don @ Feb 25th 2009 2:52PM

People are (rightfully) wondering how Sony will handle the UMD issue.... will there be some sort of way to have "backwards compatibility" for current PSP users?

If we go by Sony's recent history, how has it handled backwards compatibilty with the PS3?

Judging by that, I wouldn't be optimistic. But maybe Sony's thinking of developing a new library of PSP2-exclusive "killer app" downloadable titles, and spinning it like, "You can still play your old UMD games in your old PSPs..."

http://handheldaddict.blogspot.com/

Josh @ Feb 25th 2009 2:54PM

Then truly, this is the beginning of the end for retail sales of games.

Also means that backwards compatibility with PSP1 may not be much of a concern for Sony.

Back in 2007, as soon as I heard the PS3 would be losing PS2 backwards compatibility, I snatched up a PS3 as soon as I could. I guess this time, when Sony eventually announces that the PSP2 will not have much backwards compatibility with the PSP1, I will have to snatch up a PSP1 before they disappear.

Heh, I'm always forced into it when I buy a PlayStation system.

Shoyz @ Feb 25th 2009 2:58PM

PSP2 with PS2 emulation = Sony wins Handheld market.

PSP2 switches to Digital Downloads Only = Sony loses Handheld market.

Digital downloads = Bad. Bad. Bad.
What happens when they shut down the server? All that money you spent is gone.
What about people with no internet connection?

I refuse to get a PSP2 for games if they're going to be download only.

Scuffles @ Feb 25th 2009 3:09PM

Yes and what are the odds that people will see any price drop in their games
seeing as fully digital distribution means they have cut out the manufacturing
and physical distribution costs of the game ..... my money says a big fat goose egg

The standard company line for "what happens if you stop supporting the software"
tends to be "That would never happen" or "We would patch the existing software"
Well as I recall the Xbox 360 was it ? Pulled their DRM servers for some MP3 based
service they had ..... I don't recall hearing about any warning and It didn't sound like
anyone got any sort of refund ... just a hearty thanks for your money enjoy your broken
files ....

So yeah as far as digital distribution goes its great on paper .... but leaves a lot to be desired when its actually put into practice.

Josh @ Feb 25th 2009 3:14PM

"What happens when they shut down the server? All that money you spent is gone."

Then tell me how the hell I'm able to keep playing all my PSN, VC, and WiiWare games, even if I'm not connected to the Internet? Hell, I could smash my router and burn my modem and still be able to play games I've already bought, paid for, and downloaded.

"What about people with no internet connection?"

Really?

Scuffles @ Feb 25th 2009 3:36PM

Generally the Software for game systems seems to skip the Phone home "features" that most PC based counterparts tend to have in spades so its not as much a problem. I think the point there was more of a.

When the server no longer lets me download the game I paid for because the file or server itself no longer exist and something happens to my only digital copy of said game...... be it a fluke segment of memory going bad (and over four years my psp has eaten a few files its rare but it does happen) Having a system eat your file and being responsible for losing or breaking your physical copy of a game are two totally different things,

Yet another stink I remember for instance with the PS3 digital movie downloads .... you pay for the movie you get one shot .... your download fails ... your out of luck .... your hard drive dies .... your out of luck .... you delete the movie to make room ..... well thats more on you but your out of luck.

I don't expect to be able to download a game or movie a hundred billion times but if they want me to even think about digital distribution ..... they are gonna have to try harder than that. At least if I have a physical copy and I break it or scratch it or put it in the microwave its all on me .... not so with the aforementioned failed//corrupt download or random hardware failure.

Shoyz @ Feb 25th 2009 6:40PM

You're talking about current-gen games.
Wait until next-gen to see if they become obsolete.

Also, yes, I was serious. Some people play video games without an internet connection.

Scuffles @ Feb 25th 2009 7:40PM

I still have an Atari2600, master system, nes, genesis, snes, Turbo graphic16, 3DO, Jaguar, n64, Saturn, Dreamcast, PS1/2 and a couple other previous gen game consoles I still pull out on a semi regular basis that say a good game doesn't become obsolete.

Generic cookie cutter games like Halo perhaps.... but a good game doesn't die or get replaced by "generic game 2" a good game will have people who still play it well past the life cycle of the console in question. That is where direct download games are going to fail unless they archive them somewhere and I don't see many companies as being willing to fit the storage or bandwidth costs for something like that.

Shoyz @ Feb 26th 2009 8:03AM

Possible Solution?
Allow customers to purchase official blank DVDs for the Console, and allow the Console to burn the game onto that official DVD.

Sounds a bit strange, but at least it's permanently yours. It could also make it playable in only your console, if they want.

Vincent @ Feb 25th 2009 3:07PM

The state of PSP2 rumors remind me the state of FF7 remake rumors.

Hashbrown Hunter @ Feb 25th 2009 3:14PM

...absurd, but plausible?

Saikisen @ Feb 25th 2009 10:16PM

Right now about ff7 I'm thinking they would make it for the PSP since remakes usually go on handhelds anyways.

It would be really hilarious if they announce it when the announce the PSP2.

Nugent @ Feb 25th 2009 3:12PM

Wasn't there just some research done showing that people still prefer hard media? The time for digital download isn't quite here yet, and it probably won't be when the PSP2 finally arrives either.

The kind of people reading Joystiq and who care about what Dave Perry says probably have their PSPs haxored to run off the memory stick, but the average consumer doesn't necessarily have broadband and still needs the UMDs to load their games.

Besides, based on Sony's track record, they'll probably just introduce a new proprietary format that's technically not an UMD.

Hashbrown Hunter @ Feb 25th 2009 3:13PM

UMCD FTW IN 2011!

Hashbrown Hunter @ Feb 25th 2009 3:12PM

Well here's the dilemma about removing the UMD drive: what the hell are the PSP1 owners gonna do with their games?? There pretty much has to be a UMD drive...unless Dave Perry actually caught wind of a PSPhone. THEN I'd believe this rumor, but not for the PSP Duo (catchy name, right?)

Josh @ Feb 25th 2009 3:16PM

Ooooor, you know, keep their PSP1s.

Hashbrown Hunter @ Feb 26th 2009 7:20AM

Yeah, but it just doesn't make much sense. Hell, when the DS Phat was released, it had a GB/GBA slot. Sony should do the same, as to not alienate their former fanbase.

FD @ Feb 25th 2009 3:17PM

Wow, that would kinda suck. I've been waiting and wanting to buy a new PSP with an improved screen (one that doesn't have the interlacing issues of the PSP-3000) and I was hoping the PSP2 would still be able to play my UMD titles. I have 66 UMD games and 18 UMD movies. I have two PSP-1000's and those won't let me play on my TV.

I would hate to only have the option to buy a PSP-3000 to be able to play my UMD's on my TV if the PSP2 won't support discs anymore. That interlacing issue is really why i don't want to buy the 3000 and why i was waiting for a PSP2. Getting a PSP2 that won't support discs will be completely useless for me if they don't give us some sort of incentive to switch over.

Trying to support PSP game developers by only buying original UMD games instead of pirating will not get me rewarded in the end. Loyalty and honesty doesn't pay off I guess ;-/ Stupid me.

I would hope there would eventually be a sort of service that allows you to mail in your UMD games and get voucher/codes in return for downloads of those same games for free. That would make sense to me, but i doubt that will actually ever happen.

An external UMD drive that would connect to the USB port would also be a nice accessory to have. To still be able to play your old titles on a PSP2 if you're at home. Once again, i doubt Sony would develop such a device.

Kinsey @ Feb 25th 2009 3:41PM

I'm against having no UMD drive. I mean I know they will have more emphasis on Downloadable titles but I also like to have substance on what I buy, plus having no backwards compatibility on the next PSP isnt very smart either. If they could somehow make it so you can install your UMD games on a memory Stick to have on your PSP would get my vote for sure. I mean even the DS still had the old GB slot and then they got rid of it at a later date would be maybe a smarter idea, but only time will tell in that case.

sony boy @ Feb 25th 2009 3:39PM

I know how they should make games for psp2. Sell MEMORY STICKS!!! They can have games in it, but you can't take it out and it also has some memory left for you to use!! And also sell some on psn. THAT"S GENIUS!!!

TM @ Feb 25th 2009 4:03PM

I say keep the UMD drive for backwards compatibility and possibly another drive for psp2 discs if possible.

Darklighter @ Feb 25th 2009 5:10PM

No UMD drive?

Does that mean they will use cards like the DS or are they sticking with discs but using a different kind.

It seems like any type of Disc would require as much battery as UMD so if they really are getting rid of the drive I would assume it for some kind of cart or card system.

I don't really care. . . . as long as I can find quality games at my local store I don't care what the physical medium looks like.

aj @ Feb 25th 2009 5:31PM

If Sony, a major corporation, can't figure out why digital distribution only games are a bad idea, then I am astounded.

Let's play make believe:

KID WALKS INTO SONY STYLE

Kid: My PSP got stolen, and I just need to get replacement copies of my games so I can play them on my friends PSP...

sony employee: I'm sorry, you were only licensed for one download.

kid: What?

FIN

omatic810 @ Feb 25th 2009 6:35PM

And what happens if someone steals all the physical copies of my games? I can't go into Sony Style and get new copies of those games. In general, if someone steals your stuff, then it's your job to get that stuff back, not the company who made it. This is a really weak reason against digital downloads.

Saikisen @ Feb 25th 2009 10:21PM

I agree to omatic810's reply since it is totally your fault for getting your possessions stolen due to your individual carelessness. You were the one to screw up not them. Plus I'm sure Sony will give you some kind of alternative instead of acting like dipshits.... wait... then again.....

aj @ Feb 25th 2009 11:04PM

Do you carry your entire game collection around on a small device at all times?

No, you don't. Because physical games are rather bulky, and there is seldom a need to have more than, say, two at any given time.

The point being that your physical games tend to be safe in your house. You can't simply misplace those. Carrying around everything on your PSP, which can be lost, broken, or stolen is another monster entirely. And if you BOUGHT THE GAMES in a DIGITAL FORMAT then a replacement copy should be easy, no? Except how will they be licensed? Will Sony let you play them on your brother's PSP? On a new PSP? Questions, questions, and no good answers, judging from how companies handle intangible goods as it is.

omatic810 @ Feb 26th 2009 5:13AM

One could also argue that because most games are NOT with you at all times, they're more susceptible to theft, as the thief could wait until you're not around to see them. For me at least, items on my person are much safer than those I leave at home, as anyone attempting to steal something will be promptly chased down.

Actually, there are plenty of good answers on how Sony could implement this. Different companies handle things differently - Stardock will allow you to download a game as many times as you want if you're logged in - same thing with Blizzard. At the moment, the Playstation Network allows you to register 5 PS3s on an account, so you can download some games as many times as you like on those 5 PS3s. If they have the same policy on the PSP2, there should be little problem with that. I know some companies also offer a de-activation method, so that you can replace a system on an account with a new one, at the cost of permanently blocking the old system on that account.

Anyway, if Sony does go all-digital for the PSP2, and they do licensing wrong, then I'll be with you on trashing it. However, since we have no idea exactly how they're going to implement this, it's not fair to complain about it just yet. Its possible (albeit not likely) that they'll implement a user-friendly approach that'll minimize problems when it comes to lost or stolen products.

On that note, Apple's approach comes to mind. The way they synchronize data on the iPod is to keep a local copy on the PC it was downloaded from. This way, if the iPod is stolen, your data is safe. With terabyte-level HDDs becoming more common, this is a viable way for someone to ensure that they wouldn't lose both their games AND their PSP2 in the event of damage or theft.

jalannom @ Feb 25th 2009 5:55PM

PSP2? haha You've got to be joking! I guess Resistance, Motorstorm, Little Big Planet will be the end of PSP1 era.
No UMD with downloads only? Does that mean PSP2 will have a harddrive inside or do we have to buy memory stick pro in order to play games?
This time, I will patiently wait until theres plenty of good third party support for PSP2.

magicianoffear @ Feb 25th 2009 5:55PM

I sure hope they don't remove the UMD, by the time PSP2 hits since we are talking the next one not the redesign as "sources" have said the redesign is coming and thats why Sony says no PSP2, I would hope that not only would UMD be back for PSP 2 but a faster loading drive would be used.

I think it's safe to assume that by the time an actual next PSP comes out that Sony would have found ways to increase battery life. UMD has alot of potnetial (as a games media, I never understood why people always think it needs to do more as Nintendo has created tons of propritary flash and RAM carts over the years just for games).

For one, UMD holds over a gig of info and no matter how big flash memory gets you will always end up deleting something to make room eventually. Second with out a UMD drive the PSP2 wont have backwards compat. which would be LAME considering Sony was the first ones to use BC in it's consoles.

I just want to see this re-design with the sliding screen, that sounds sweet. I am not ready to move on from PSP it has a ton of software(why anyone says different is beyond me) and plenty more on the way.

beeJ @ Feb 25th 2009 5:58PM

Probably want to use a more general format due to the recession or something?

I heard SE phones are starting to use SDs instead of MemorySticks

jalannom @ Feb 25th 2009 5:59PM

I guess digital download means a big problem to gamestop. No more used game purchases, no more buying in store purchases and collector's editions.

PN04 @ Feb 25th 2009 6:59PM

If the PSP goes to full digital distribution, than it'll be deader than disco. No one wants to put all their faith in a digital file, How many of you back up your MP3s? you wont be able to do that with a PSP game. If one day the PSN goes away for what ever reason, goodluck getting your games back with the system has a fatal hardrive error. Digital Distribution as a primary means of game sales is fraught with all manner of fail.

If they decide to put all their games on protected Memory stick for sale at brick and mortar, that would be something I can live with but all Digital? They'll have lost myself and millions of others as customers because people prefer the easy of buying something in a store as opposed to hoping all the little etherial 1's and 0's all line up properly.

This has nothing to do with you Steam loving PC people you suffer in your own way and accept it but Console gamers generally won't put up with that.

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