Sony plans UMD digital copy scheme for PSP Go

Sony is set to offer digital copies of UMD titles to existing customers, so that their current library of games can be played on the new digital-only PSP Go.

"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 PSP-1000," said Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller to website Gizmodo.

"In the past, we've seen a 20-25 per cent trade-up factor, and I assume that's going to be the case here. We've modelled that. So we're looking at a good-will program - a short term good-will program that would continue for years afterward," he said.

Although the program details do not appear to be finalised, Koller indicated it would be similar to Sony's free Portable Copy system - which allows Blu-ray movies to be transferred from the PS3 to PSP. However, the UMD programme will not involve "ripping" the original discs.

Although Koller implies the offer will be free, a reference to "looking at what kind of games will be offered" suggests that it will not be automatically extended to every game.

Officially unveiled at E3 for the first time, the long-rumoured PSP go features a new hardware shell design and does not support UMD discs. Instead the new version of the portable relies entirely on digital downloads, in part to address the high levels of piracy on the format.