Sony Confirms PSP Passport Program Not Coming To Vita In North America

With the Vita launch in Japan last year, Sony unveiled a nice program allowing Japanese gamers to pay a small fee to download their original PSP games on the new handheld. As the North American launch of the Vita approaches, we've patiently waited to hear about a U.S. version of the UMD Passport plan. Sadly, it's not going to happen.

Kotaku reports on official word from Sony that there will be no North American equivalent of the UMD Passport program. As such, you'll have to hold on to an old-school PSP to keep using your UMDs, although Sony says you will be able to re-download any downloadable PSP games tied to your Sony Entertainment Network account.

I'm definitely annoyed by this but not surprised. Still, at least I'll be able to keep playing Corpse Party on the Vita. That's what really matters, right?