No More Comics on the PSP

Back before everybody and their grandmother had an iPad, the PSP was an early pioneer in the field of digital comic distribution. Sony originally launched the PSP Digital Comics service in December 2009, offering a variety of content from publishers like Marvel, DC, and IDW. Though the PSP was never really an ideal method for reading full-size comics, the handheld helped pave the way for the iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet, and all the other devices that are allowing readers to make the jump from print to digital.

Unfortunately, being a pioneer only counts for so much in the tech industry. As originally reported by Engadget, Sony has announced that the service is being shut down at the end of this month. Sony posted the following on their website:

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that the Comic Store for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) available from the PlayStation®Store (PS Store) will no longer be available after October 30, 2012.

After this date users will be unable to purchase comic content from the PS Store's Comic Store. Where licenses permit, previously purchased or downloaded content will still be available for download until mid- January 2013. After this date users will no longer be able to re-download any previously purchased content. You can, however back up your content using Media Go.

Thank you for your support of the Comic Store for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.

Given that the PS Vita has been out in America for a while now, this isn't necessarily a surprising move. However, Sony has yet to introduce a similar service for the Vita. This closure also illustrates one of the primary fears about digital comics and digital distribution in general. What guarantee do consumers have that the content they purchase will always be available to download? Will current services like Comixology eventually fall to the same fate? These are issues we discussed in depth in last year's Building a Better Digital Comics Marketplace feature.

In any case, PSP owners should make sure they download and backup their comic purchases before the January 2013 shutoff date. And let us know your thoughts on this news. Did you buy many comics on the PSP? Are you concerned about the permanency of your digital comics downloads? Sound off in the comments section below.

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following Jesse on Twitter, or on IGN.

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