Patapon 2 as Download Only Title Confirmed

Speculation abounded on Monday that Sony’s upcoming sequel to the tribal rhythm action title, Patapon would be the first release for PSP to be UMD-less, even at retail. It looks as if the virtual entrails of whatever slain net-beast these interweb shamen used to divine the future provided great efficacy; confirmation has come from on high – in the form of a statement from Patrick Seybold, SCEA’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications – that Patapon 2 will indeed be available for download only.

However, retail is not being cut out of the equation; boxed “copies” will be available at brick & mortar retailers as well, containing a download code to obtain the title via the PlayStation Network Store, echoing Microsoft and Rockstar selling boxed codes for this year’s GTA IV expansion, The Lost and Damned.

“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,” Seybold said in the statement. “The downloadable game will be available on May 5th at both retail and via the PlayStation Store. We remain focused on providing superior games and entertainment experiences in both the UMD and digital formats and are working closely with our partners to deliver the best PSP line up in our history.”

What Seybold calls a “one-time test case” smells an awful lot like “preview of how games will be released for the upcoming PSP redesign” to us. What do you all think?

Tags: Patapon 2 PlayStation Network PSP Sony