Patapon 2's 'retail box' revealed

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 20th 2009 at 1:00PM }

Click to embiggen.

Yes, it's true. Patapon 2 won't be available on UMD when it arrives in America. Instead, it'll be a PlayStation Store exclusive title. This digital distribution experiment won't avoid retail altogether, as you'll still be able to buy Patapon 2 in stores. The boxed package will include a printed manual and a voucher to download Patapon 2 off the PlayStation Store. Yes, you'll need a Memory Stick, and yes, you'll need a wi-fi connection (or a PS3 connected to the internet).

It's unclear how mainstream consumers will respond to this change. However, we're all for it -- being able to legally download games mixes the convenience of Memory Stick gaming with developers earning money to pay their bills. All in all, it's a win-win.

Gallery: Patapon 2

Tags: patapon, patapon-2, playstation-store, psn

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

linebeginstoblur @ Apr 20th 2009 1:11PM

A retail box would be nice, but NOT if the rumors are true that it will be more expensive for the retail version.

$19.99 + tax (i.e. 6%) = $21.19
$14.99 + no tax = $14.99

A retail box would be nice, but it's not worth $6.20. I have not read any confirmation that the price will be matched or that there will be a discrepancy between them. Unless I missed one, I'm crossing my fingers that they won't be stupid here.

j.howlett @ Apr 20th 2009 1:27PM

i'd get taxed either way

linebeginstoblur @ Apr 20th 2009 1:28PM

Yeah, I was going to add that I know some people get taxed on PSN. And actually, I just read an article earlier that could result in EVERYONE getting taxed. :(
http://consumerist.com/5218919/is-tax+free-internet-shopping-soon-to-be-a-thing-of-the-past

Tom @ Apr 20th 2009 1:18PM

Does anyone know how big (download size) the game will be?

linebeginstoblur @ Apr 20th 2009 1:30PM

Knowing that UMDs can only hold 1.8 GB, I would expect it not to be any more, in fact a bit lower.

John @ Apr 20th 2009 1:30PM

10 KB. It's actually unlocked off of the first game's UMD.

:P

Ashitaka @ Apr 20th 2009 1:46PM

@ John

I don't know if you were being ironic, but Patapon 2 is much more than a mere expansion.

Kodros @ Apr 20th 2009 2:32PM

I heard someone say that it was somewhere in the 350 mb range.

Sandman3621 @ Apr 20th 2009 1:52PM

@John

Hahahhahahaha. Genius.

@Ashitaka

You take things too seriously.

Hashbrown Hunter @ Apr 20th 2009 1:53PM

I think this may be the reason for the upcoming FW 5.50 update, If you see in the key features, it says they drastically reduced the size PSN games require on a memory stick. If this is true, I'll be a lot happier.

Ken @ Apr 20th 2009 1:54PM

Is it confirmed that it's PSP only or will our purchase also be playable via the PS3?

Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 20th 2009 2:03PM

You can buy the PSP version from your PS3 on the PSN if thats what you meant. However, if you were asking of this game will be available on the PSN to play on your PS3 the answer is a resounding NO.

Ken @ Apr 20th 2009 2:08PM

Yeah, I've purchased a few PSP titles via my PS3, but I keep hoping that someday we'll be able to play the titles on both systems.

Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 20th 2009 3:56PM

I know what you mean ... I was hoping Sony would release some kind of UMD expansion that plugs in your USB ports on the PS3. I also wish games like Echnochrome that are sold on both the PSP & PS3 were playable on both without buying two different versions. I guess we can only hope for the future where PSP & PSN games have full interpolarity.

I thought about having Ben Heck make me a PS3 that essentially had the guts of a PSP inside of it so that I could play my PSP games on it. I'm content with the video out feature for now and more games are starting to allow the use of a Dual Shock/Six Axis controller for PSP games. I think Resistance Retribution is the first one to do that as of now. It stink only the 2000 & 3000 series can use the video out feature ... but, what are you gonna do? ya know?

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Apr 20th 2009 1:59PM

Sounds good to me... Wish they woul dhave done this with R;R!!

Kodros @ Apr 20th 2009 2:33PM

They did in Europe or Japan.

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Apr 20th 2009 2:56PM

yea I know....but not in the US

Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 20th 2009 3:59PM

Don't you have an EU & JPN PSN account? All you have to do is buy the PSN currency for that region from an import site or e-bay and then once you download the game it will show up on your NA PSN account as well. Easy peezy lemon squeezy. I just bought the full retail disc but it would have been nice to have the option but only at a cheaper price point.

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Apr 20th 2009 4:02PM

2 things. I dont feel I should have to do that. l aready do it with Japanese games. and dont feel like buying stuff from random stores all the time.

second, I didnt think PSP games were region free..

Dale Thornton @ Apr 20th 2009 2:00PM

anyone else think this is revolutionary? think about it, if digital downloads are the future, this is the first game made released on umd in other territories thats been changed just for digital distribution. this is the first step.
plus i like you can still get the box while downloading the game

Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 20th 2009 2:06PM

I hope that selling it only as a download it means that it can't be pirated as easily or not at all. But, I agree with you that this is fantastic news. The only thing is people who have a small memory stick or no PS3/PC could have some storage issues. Though it's cheap to upgrade memory sticks and the PSN on your PSP hold the games to be downloaded whenever you like.

Dale Thornton @ Apr 20th 2009 2:29PM

yea, memory sticks are getting quite cheap.
i think if this release does well it will confirm that the psp 2 without umd drive is coming out. hopefully, they are gonna do a 40GB hard drive in a similar way to the ipod

Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 20th 2009 4:04PM

Yeah ....

Probably something like a 16 GB or 32 Gb HDD I would imagine with a memory stick slot as well for expansion. I just upgraded to a 3000 so I hope they don't release a PSP2 until at least next year. If it does release this year hopefully they have some sort of way to get your PSP games on the device. Maybe you can upgrade your old PSP & games and they give you little voucher cards to re-download them onto the new PSP. I know it's not likely ... I guess if it's UMD less they will be scrapping BC all together though they could offer PSP legacy UMDs on the PSN.

Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 20th 2009 4:07PM

Yeah ...

I guess they can offer legacy U.M.D.s on the P.S.N. In that case I would have to keep my new PSP 3000 which I recently upgraded to from a 1000 series. I would say they will have some kind of solid state drive with different capacities & price points. It would be great if they offered some kind of trade in system where you get network vouchers for your old games if you upgrade to the PSP2.

Dale Thornton @ Apr 20th 2009 4:13PM

of course this is all just speculation but i heard some rumors about using your old psp with a firmware update to transfer you umds to memory stick to use on psp 2.

doubt this will happen due to people making loads of copies, but they have to do some way to use your old umd games, otherwise it will be daylight robbery.

BreakingPoint0 @ Apr 21st 2009 10:59AM

I don't know about using the old PSP to get the games onto a memory stick, that wouldn't help those who don't have a PSP already. However in the same way that would be done I think Sony could make a peripheral for the PSP that would do the same thing, but be attached(so new users could use it too!). My guess is they would figure out a way to associate the copy of the game to one PSN account to allow you to redownload it if you'd like, maybe use something to read in the disc with a UID and then allow it to be assigned to a PSN account.

It'll be interesting to see what they do if the rumors if the UMD-less PSP turn out to be true.

Don @ Apr 20th 2009 2:49PM

"Yes, you'll need a Memory Stick, and yes, you'll need a wi-fi connection (or a PS3 connected to the internet)."

Can the title be bought/downloaded using the PC PS Store & transferred to the PSP that way, or is it only the PS3???

http://handheldaddict.blogspot.com/

Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 20th 2009 4:09PM

Yeah you will be able to use your PC and transfer it that way as well. Thats precisely the reason they added the PC PSN storefront ... for people without wi-fi or a PS3.

TM @ Apr 20th 2009 2:59PM

tempting. very tempting

Angel Mass @ Apr 20th 2009 3:36PM

I guess Ill have to delete some Videos on my Memory Stick then

Marbbinn @ Apr 20th 2009 3:50PM

Oh crap now i need to buy a bigger memory stick.

cjschrissouth @ Apr 20th 2009 3:54PM

I thought this story was on the PS Blog like a week ago! (i was first posted on the 17th) Get it together Joystiq.

Phil @ Apr 20th 2009 4:15PM

Well, crap.

Does anyone know if the UMD version relased in the EU will work in my US PSP? It might be time to import.

yung hot rod @ Apr 20th 2009 5:08PM

Yes, it will.

yung hot rod @ Apr 20th 2009 5:07PM

I love the idea of buying something, only to own nothing...

Jonathan @ Apr 20th 2009 8:34PM

Either way you don't own the game and only own the license to play it. Atleast this makes it cheaper, and faster, to get a hold of.

Sergio @ Apr 20th 2009 5:42PM

It would be nice if Sony would put some kind of Kiosk in a sony slyle store or somewhere where people would go there and get it instantly without burning thier bandwith at home

Maulok @ Apr 20th 2009 5:52PM

Commenting on the last part about how mainstream consumers will react:
I'm not sure the cross section of mainstream consumers, PSP owners, and PSP owners planning to buy Patapon 2 is that large. Most PSP owners actively buying games for the system are die hards who already have PSN experience. I think the majority of reactions will echo comments here of "need a larger memory stick".

Ashe @ Apr 20th 2009 6:26PM

Im disappointed in this news. Why couldnt they have both a UMD release and it avaliable on the PSN like they did for UK? I dont understand why they had to do download for the retail version if they are already making a case and manual. I dont think they should force fans of Patapon to have to get the digital version. I like owning the physical games as part of my collection. This news made me cancel my preorder and possibly Ill import the UK version at some point...but frankly I couldnt give a crap now.

tyrant1234 @ Apr 20th 2009 7:13PM

For once i'm glad i live in the uk, we have a choice of download or UMD, I like "truly owning" my psp games.....

so I bought the UMD version for £14.99 from play.com (less than from the PlayStation store)

plus I'd prefer NOT to use up my memory stick space if i can help it (even though it is an 8GB)......

plus I actually like UMD's

just my 2 pennys worth

aj @ Apr 21st 2009 12:05AM

I second that comment.

When I buy a game, I don't want to have to also buy a new memory card. 1 gig is more than I need for a bunch of save files.

And when I BUY a game, I want to own the game. If a friend of mine wants to borrow it, that's not anyone's business but my own. If I want to trade it in at EB or Gamestop, or if I want to sell it on CraigsList or even just pass the game on to a friend, that's still no one's business but my own, since I OWN the thing anyway.

I was looking forward to buying Patapon 2, but I'll just give it a miss now.

Scuffles @ Apr 21st 2009 11:38AM

Yeah because of the pure digital release in the US this game has been officially bumped off a 1st day release purchase, which sucks because I have been looking forward to this game since the rumors of its release from probably over a year ago. To a, Mull it over might or might not import it so I can have the UMD purchase..... actually think it just got bumped to import and get it a few days early plus get a UMD instead of a DL.

Not saying Downloads aren't the way to go in the future but companies have a lot of good faith to EARN back before I'm willing to go digital.... seen to many instances where things are going ok then a company dissolves or gets distracted by something new and shiny and leaves their customers with useless files, but thats ok because it was all covered in the EULA you clicked OK on that stated they could terminate service and or support at any time.

Give me a few years and some examples of great press in relation to digital distribution and I'll probably change my tune.... hey I already buy my MP3s online from amazon but I'll be damned if I touch anything infected with DRM as to avoid one of those "yeah we are shutting down our authorization servers, thanks for the cash enjoy your junk files" that I have seen happen far too often.

LM2007 @ Apr 21st 2009 9:01AM

At least the "downlodable" game is $20 as the umd of the first one was. But i'm still worried baout a clogged network due high amount of people downloading. Is not the first time psn network crash while i'm downloading a demo or something.

Giant_Gamer @ Apr 21st 2009 12:21PM

Download-able PSP games only from PSN is creating a Monopoly. Prices will never "need" to fall, and you'll don't have a 2nd option to shop around for a better deal for your games. I have rarely shopped for games while they are at "full price", instead I am always looking for a bargain. I have seen quite a few games on the PSN, that I would like to own, but the UMD retail value can fall to levels that are more acceptable to my wallet. Meanwhile the online prices haven't budged one penny. (At least not since Christmas, when I bought my PSP.)

Retail stores are struggling, and they can make money with a little competition. But by Sony putting a empty box'n'manuel on store shelves will create a very expensive advertisement for another entirely different store. Do you think Walmart will shelve a boxed product for something that basically advertises a product that only K-Mart can redeem?

Also what happens if the PSNetwork fails?
For how long do you own the digital content? (This is similar to the PC gaming problem with DRM... but Sony is only just getting started.)

Sony should have announced that this would only be available only via Download, in the USA, when the game was first announced. Sony should be ready to refund any and all store bought pre-orders. The only good thing about a retail box, is that when it doesn't sell, the price will drop. (Just like I bought $40 of points for the Wii for $20 bucks, at a clearance sale last summer.)

My solution to the whole problem:
Every Patapon 2, store bought game, should have a UMD inside. Included could also be the code for downloading the game for memory card play. (and/or imputing the code while using the UMD to upload the content onto the memory card, not unlike installing a PC game with a CD key... ALL OFFLINE) Redeeming the code online should also act as a registration for the game.

The sale of the game could be online and offline. And you wouldn't have to be a pirate to carry all of your games around if you have the memory cards to do so.
G_G

Lisa @ Apr 25th 2009 9:37AM

This experiment by Sony doesn’t make any sense to me. By making Patapon 2 a download only game from the Playstation Network, it really alienates some of their fans. I don’t understand why they couldn’t have both a UMD retail version as well as the PSN download, especially since they are going to all the trouble to make a box and instructions for retail. They offered both for the Japan and Europe releases, so how come we get only one option? The Playstation network is great for older games that people can no longer find, never got to play, and don’t want to pay outrageous prices for. But I believe that for brand new games, customers should have the option of getting the UMD or downloading it to their memory card.