An ArsTechnica "source" -- who has apparently given the site solid intel in the past -- claims Patapon 2 won't have a physical, UMD-based existence when it releases May 5. The game will allegedly be sold on the PSN for $15, with the retail copy, which will be nothing but a PSN redemption code, priced at $20. Customers will also apparently be able to purchase the game through the websites of "certain retailers."
If true, this UMD-less Patapon sequel's invasion appears to be a test run, for not only for digital distribution, but for Dave Perry's anti-UMD PSP2. We've contacted Sony for comment and will update if we hear anything.