Sony confirms Patapon 2 is a PSN download

by Stevie Smith - Apr 14 2009, 16:15

With stylish music-rhythm adventure Patapon having made its mark as one of the leading software lights on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is to test the consumer draw of its upcoming sequel by offering it up via download in the United States.

Although Patapon 2 is already available in other territories on a conventional UMD disc, SCEA has this week announced that the upcoming May 05 release for gamers in the United States will be strictly download-only as it seeks to test the mainstream viability of digital distribution.

While walk-in consumers in the U.S. will still be expected to pay $19.99 USD for a Patapon 2 case from a retail stockist, that case will be devoid of a UMD disc and will instead contain a simple download voucher that can be redeemed through the official PlayStation Store (PSN).

Direct online downloads will also be available for those looking to nab the sequel’s ‘PON CHAKA!’ beats from PSN without the need of a case, which will cost just $15 USD.

“We’re considering a digital only format for the Patapon 2 release as a one-time test case as we continue to explore consumer preferences for digital content,” commented Patrick Seybold, senior director of corporate communications at Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Initial reaction to Sony’s announcement would suggest the consumer electronics giant is using Patapon 2 to pave the way towards the much talked about unveiling of a brand new PlayStation Portable device that will rely completely on PSN for its software content and will not include support for UMD.

Patapon 2 was originally released in Japan in November of 2008 and has since hit stores in Europe on March 06 and Australia on March 13. The game currently has a Metacritic average of 78/100 spread across 21 different reviews.

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