One of the greatest strengths of Sony's new PSP Go handheld is also it's greatest weakness: no UMD drive means consumers are limited to playing the titles available for download on PSN. For some gamers (like GamePro editor ) a lack of classic titles like Lumines can be a dealbreaker when deciding whether or not to upgrade from their trusty PSP.
While publishers like Rockstar seem eager to get a digital version of their PSP games up to supplement the UMD release ( was available on PSN the same day boxed copies hit shelves,) Q Entertainment's struggles with Namco and music licenses suggest the process may be more complicated for bringing older titles to the store. While Q remains hopeful, PSP Go owners looking for a taste of classic action will have to wait a little longer.
UPDATE: Q Entertainment has updated with more details of Lumines' absence from PSN. Regarding , two songs were licensed for UMD ( and ), but would have to be re-acquired for the game if it were digitally distributed. Later on, the developer , saying that the decision to put the game on PSN ultimately lays with Namco-Bandai.