April 18, 2007 - The PS3 firmware update we've all been waiting for has at last arrived! What's that? Upscaling for backwards compatible games? Uhh... not quite. True DVR-style recording features? Uhh... we're going to have to wait just a bit longer for that one.

Today's update, which takes the PS3 to system version 1.70, at long last makes all those Game Archives games playable on the PS3. Previously, the downloadable PlayStation titles were only playable on the PSP.

Game Watch reports that a few PlayStation titles will continue to work exclusively on the PSP for the time being. Sony has yet to specify which games will be cross compatible. PS3-ready downloads will begin on 4/26, so we'l have to check the PlayStation Store at that time.

Save data for your PlayStation game downloads will be usable on both the PS3 and PSP. To enable this shared functionality, you'll have to update your PSP to System 3.40, which is also available today.

Sony's official Game Archives page alludes to games from "other formats" becoming available for download and play exclusively on the PS3. Such titles and formats have yet to be announced.

The PS3 update also improves backwards compatibility with PS2 games thanks to improved peripheral support. You'll now be able to use force feedback in Logitech's GT-Force Pro steering wheel (that's right, your PS3 is going to make something rumble!). Also added to the compatibility list are the Densha de Go! Controller Type 2, the Densha de Go! Shinkansen Controller and Hori's Flight Stick 2.

Strictly speaking, this update news concerns Japanese model PS3 and PSP systems only. However, if history is anything to go by, similar updates should be available around the same time wherever you happen to live.

Thanks to http://psp.ign.com/articles/781/781856p1.html for sharing the news with us, and you can discuss the news HERE!