UMD

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope
Sony Universal Media Disc.

Short for Universal Media Disc, the UMD was a proprietary optical disc format created by Sony for the PSP (PlayStation Portable), a handheld gaming and multimedia device. Released in 2004, UMDs were similar to MiniDiscs in appearance, but a little larger at about 2.4 inches in diameter. They had a capacity of up to 1.8 gigabytes and could store games, videos, music, and other multimedia content. UMDs were read using a laser-based drive housed in the PSP unit.

Over time, UMDs faced challenges due to their limited compatibility and susceptibility to damage. With the rise of digital distribution, UMDs became obsolete by the mid-2010s.

CD terms, Computer acronyms, Device, Format, PlayStation, Proprietary