Rumor: Patapon 2 gets no UMD in North American retail, just boxes with download codes? *Update*

An intriguing rumor if there ever was one: sources say that Patapon 2 will only be released as a digital download in North America. What’s more is that, though there are supposedly plans of releasing the game on retail shelves, the game boxes won’t include a UMD of the game but a download coupon instead! If this rumor proves true, Sony‘s move to a digital-media heavy direction is now taking shape – not to mention fanning flames on that rumorrific UMD-less PSP 2.

**Update**: Rumor confirmed.

“But Priestess Meden, we left all our UMDs back in the previous island!”

An intriguing rumor if there ever was one: sources say that Patapon 2 will only be released as a digital download in North America. If this proves true, Sony‘s move to a digital-media heavy direction is now taking shape – not to mention fanning flames on that rumorrific UMD-less PSP 2.

The rumor comes from a very reliable source of Ars Technica’s. They say the game will be made available as a digital download on the PSN for US$ 15. But here’s the juicy bit: the game will still be sold on retail shelves, complete with box and all. It’s just that the game boxes won’t have UMDs in them. They’ll have download coupons.

Here’s something else: SRP for the retail version, US$ 19.99. Guess it costs you about five bucks if you wanted a physical box and game manual to go with your download. Note that you can also purchase the download code via online portals of the usual retailers.

Again, this is strictly rumor. When Ars Technica contacted Sony for a comment, a spokesperson gave this:

Regarding digital distribution for Patapon 2, nothing’s been announced on our end. We’ll keep our ears to the ground and we’ll drop you a line immediately if we hear anything.

Patapon 2 for the PSP will be marching out for North America on May 5.

**Update**

This rumor has been confirmed by Sony.

• Keep that Fever going: Patapon 2 trailer, NA release date
• GameStop’s Patapon 2 pre-order comes with demo
• Sony: simultaneous UMD and PSN releases still years away
• Koller: digital will be an important part of the PSP’s future
• Koller responds to UMD-less PSP 2 rumor: partially true, the rest is ‘no comment’

Via Ars Technica