Sony Planning UMD to PSP Go Digital Copy Program

The PSP Go is the latest redesign of Sony's handheld, but it differs from the previous models most not for what it adds, but what it removes: it will not have a UMD drive, replacing the disc-based medium with digital distribution. The problem, of course, is what that means for PSP owners with large libraries of UMD games who want to upgrade to the PSP Go. Speaking to Gizmodo, John Koller, director of hardware marketing, said that Sony is already working on a solution.
"We're in the midst of putting together a goodwill program," Koller explained, referring to some sort of plan where gamers could get digital copies of their UMD games. "We'll be unveiling that soon [because] we actually think there's a significant group that will be upgrading from the 1000...So we're looking at a goodwill program -- a short term goodwill program that would continue for years afterward." 

The wording is a little confusing, and Koller didn't offer many more details. He did cite the process Sony already uses to transfer Blu-ray movies to the PSP, but he assured gamers would not be ripping the games from the UMDs themselves -- it's more likely they'll offer older games as PSN downloads, with some sort of system where those who already own a game can download a digital version for free.

But how exactly will you prove you already own a game? And will all games be available in digital form? The answers to such questions will have to wait until Sony reveals the full details of the program down the line.