Sony Considers Downloadable PSP Rentals

Sony is apparently testing the waters of consumer interest around direct-to-consumer video game rentals for the PSP. As industry-watchers point to the need for a hardware refresh and the end of the handheld's UMD drive, a survey discovered by consumer site Joystiq asking for feedback on a possible service that "will enable you to download a fixed number of games during your subscription period" could suggest Sony's next move. "You will be able to change the games you have chosen for the download once your subscription period renews," the survey suggests. "At launch there will be an extensive catalogue of games to choose from, with more being added to the service each month." The survey seems to seek consumer feedback to determine the finer points of the service under consideration, such as the duration and price of the subscription plan, number of games covered, and breadth and recency of games on offer. Roundly trounced by Nintendo's DS at retail, the PSP has been overtly in search of a new direction for some time. Also revealed today is a new community-focused site for Sony's handheld, aimed at helping PSP appeal to a younger age group, a demographic where it hasn't historically gained traction.