On March 19th two versions of Echochrome materialize in Japan. A physical UMD disc for the PSP costs 3,980 yen ($37) while the downloadable PlayStation 3 edition only costs 1800 yen ($17). Sony hasn’t announced any differences between the versions other than portability and if that is the sole difference I’ll stick to the more reasonable PlayStation Network download.
Take note that these prices are only for the Japanese release of Echochrome. Occasionally, Sony Computer Entertainment America alters prices for North America and when they do the resulting game is often cheaper. Piyotama, Go! Sports Ski, Jeanne D’Arc and Patapon are a few examples that come to mind.
Yes, the PSP version of Echochrome costs twice as much, but there is reason for the extra cash. Walaber’s comment (thanks!) prompted immediate research and all of the answers are found over at Impress Watch. The PlayStation 3 version is actually Echochrome: Jokyoku or Echochrome: Prelude in English. For 1,800 yen ($17) you get a get a sample of Echochrome by tasting 50 puzzles. The 3,980 yen ($37) PSP version contains 100 puzzles and multiple modes including a variation where you have to avoid walking dark echoes. Fortunately, both versions come with canvas mode, which lets players create and upload puzzles on the PlayStation Network.