April 19, 2007 - Last night's 1.7 firmware update for the PS3 was an important one for backwards compatibility fans, as it enabled the use of downloaded PlayStation One titles on the Cell-based system (previously, they were only playable on the PSP).

As some PlayStation 3 owners have already discovered, however, the existing PS One software currently available for download doesn't work. Popular speculation as to why this is points to the need to remove the certification key required to play games on Sony's portable platform.

Sony Computer Entertainment America reps confirmed this speculation to be fact with IGN this morning.

Under the current setup, two different files (the ROM and the certification key) are needed to activate PS1 software on the PSP, but such a system isn't needed for the PlayStation 3 and therein lays the conflict.

"We'll be replacing the older PS1 games with fixed versions sometime in May," said SCEA manager, Al de Leon. "Once the new games are uploaded, you'll be able to download the games straight to your hard drive and play them from there."

When asked if the new versions of games that had multiplayer options disabled for PSP emulation would have those modes reinstated for PS3, Sony could not comment.

In related news, Sony did confirm that the PS Store will update later this afternoon with HD trailers of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Ratchet and Clank Future in addition to several movie teasers. New playable content won't be available this week.

Thanks to http://ps3.ign.com/articles/781/781934p1.html for sharing the news with us!