Now this is more like it. It's not quite the fair and square "You bought a UMD, have a digital version" trade-in program that some had rumored may take place, but at least it's a start. "PSPgo Rewards" is a new program launching on October 1 that will allow PSPgo owners to choose three out of seventeen free games. The rub is that previous ownership of an earlier PSP model is required.

What you need to do is log in to the PlayStation Network via your PSPgo, then fire up your old PSP, pop a UMD into the disc drive and then connect to PSN again to register it. With a UMD now registered to your account, you will be required to download a new PSPgo theme and wait patiently for a voucher entitling you to three game downloads.

SCEE lists the seventeen games as: Killzone Liberation, Medievil, Wipeout Pure, Buzz Brain Bender, Buzz Master Quiz, SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, Everybody’s Golf, Resistance: Retribution, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, Lemmings, LocoRoco, Patapon, Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow, Echochrome, Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice, and Daxter. Yeah, for some stupid (read: greedy) reason, God of War: Chains of Olympus has NOT been listed. 

Even though the listed games aren't exactly mindblowing, this represents one of the few moderately not-crap things Sony has done with the PSPgo since it was announced. That deserves a golf clap, maybe.

Kick-start your PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)go
game collection!
Got PSP™? Thinking of going digital with PSPgo?
Get three free games with PSPgo Rewards*

LONDON, 24th September, 2009: To celebrate the upcoming launch of the latest model of PSP™(PlayStation®Portable) Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) is pleased to announce a special promotion to help existing PSP owners with UMD®s (Universal Media Discs), to start their digital games collection for PSPgo.

If you enjoy your PSP, you’re going to love the all-new PSPgo. Say hello to entertainment in your pocket as the sleek, slimline look of PSPgo comes packed with 16GB of built-in storage space – meaning that you can take all your favourite games, photos and more with you wherever you go. And to help you get your PSPgo collection started, we’re giving away three full games for free.*

With PSPgo Rewards you can download three much-loved, or totally new PSP titles for free, and put your new PSPgo to the test. Pick your favourites from a number of popular PSP titles. Get in on the action with Killzone™: Liberation or SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3. Give your reflexes a pounding with WipEout® Pure. Put your skills to the test with Everybody’s Golf™ or echochrome™. Give your brain a workout with Buzz!™: Brain Bender or Master Quiz. Or get quirky, with LocoRoco™ or Patapon™. There are seventeen titles to choose from in all, and the process is simple…

1. Unwrap your shiny new PSPgo and start it up
2. Connect to PlayStation®Network and activate your new or existing PlayStation Network account for PSPgo Rewards
3. Start up your current PSP and connect to PlayStation Network
4. Login using the same PlayStation Network account , and launch PlayStation®Store

5. Pop one of your UMDs into the drive of your current PSP and register on PSPgo Rewards when prompted
6. Download a PSPgo theme
7. Wait for your email voucher for your three free games
8. Choose, download and enjoy!

PSPgo puts you in control, because you can download and store your choice of entertainment. It’s about what you like to play, what you like to look at, what you like to watch and what you like to listen to. And with an ever increasing range of services from Skype® to the soon to launch PlayStation Network Video Store and Digital Comics, plus remote access to your music, photos, videos and more on your PlayStation®3, PSPgo is entertainment without barriers. Be entertained in style – wherever and whenever you are – with PSPgo.

Promotion starts on 1 October 2009 and runs until 31 March 2010. Promotion open to owners of a PSP-1000, 2000 or 3000 and at least one UMD, when they purchase a PSPgo. Titles may vary by territory and age restrictions apply.

To find out more visit www.eu.playstation.com/psp .

*PlayStation®Network account required. PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store subject to terms of use and not available in all countries and languages.WLAN or Broadband internet service required. Users are responsible for internet access fees. Users under 18 require parental consent.