With rumors of a PSP2 still red hot after so many red herrings and unsubstantiated reports, a number of other reports are slowly bolstering Sony’s apparent new direction for a UMD-less PSP and online distribution.

With the sequel to the PSP hit Patapon being readied for launch next month, Ars Technica reports that Patapon 2 will be shipped on May 5 not through the UMD format. According to Ars Technica, Patapon 2 will be made available for download through the Playstation Network for $15. Retailers will also carry a boxed copy for $19.99, but what the package will contain is a download code and not a UMD. To help bolster the veracity and accuracy of the report, Ars Technica noted that their source was also accurate when it gave them information about the Xbox 360 price cut last September 2008. Patapon 2 getting distributed digitally actually goes in line with Sony’s announcement at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show that all new PSP games in Japan will be released as downloadable content aside from the UMD format.

Hopefully, this proves to be true. It will make buying PSP games more attractive because of the lower price point.