PS1 Downloads Not Initially Playable on PS3

Phil Harrison confirmed that downloaded Playstation games will not be playable on the Playstation 3 at launch.

After the Sony Gamer’s Day press conference, Sony executive Phil Harrison revealed to 1UP that Playstation One games purchased and downloaded from the Sony virtual store will not be usable with the PS3 on launch day. Harrison explained that the Playstation 3’s emulation software will not be prepared for launch, but is planned for release within the year.

PS1 titles will be compatible with the Playstation Portable, and any title bought from Sony can be used on both the PS3 and PSP systems. Any hard copy of Playstation One or Two titles will run on the Playstation 3. However, the PS3 will not offer graphical improvements to older games in the same way the PS2 improved upon the visuals of PS1 games. Games available in the Sony virtual store launch library include Syphon Filter and Twisted Metal.