Sony's talking about giving PSP owners a way to convert your physical UMD in digital games, but failed after PSP go in the light of the world in flames, Sony shelved the concept. With Vita just around the corner, revived the idea, and it is now happening.

The company is calling this service, at least in Japan, "Passport" UMD. You can download a program from the PlayStation Store, inclusion a UMD appeared in the list of Sony, to register the game with PlayStation Network, they pay a certain amount (changes per game) to access a digital copy and download away.

As mentioned, not is a flat rate to purchase a digital version, and seems to be up to individual editors to determine. Sony press release says that prices will be "reasonable", and with one exception, the price is situated mainly between 500 yen (about $6.50) at 1,500 yen (about $20).

A comparable programme has not been announced anywhere outside of Japan and it is unclear how Sony prevent players surrender a single UMD around, but those details will come later.

Editors are not obliged to participate in the program, either, although the announcement of Sony says big companies like Capcom, Sega, Square Enix, and others are making its games available.

Souerce: GiantbombAll