UPDATE: The Official PlayStation Blog has confirmed that the August 28 date applies to North America as well. The 1.80 Firmware Update will add support for PSone Classics, alongside other improvements to system functionality, near, Vita’s music player, and support for Cross-Controller gameplay with LittleBigPlanet 2.
ORIGINAL: It’s true, folks. The feature that probably should’ve been ready for launch is finally coming to PlayStation Vita.
On August 28, PSone Classics support will come to PS Vita, most likely in the form of a firmware update to Sony’s sleek handheld. With this update, you’ll be able to play all of your old-school favorites on-the-go, presumably using both of the Vita’s analog sticks to emulate the DualShock experience to a T.
The news was confirmed moments ago during Sony’s gamescom 2012 presser, but we’ve yet to hear other details, including whether support for touch controls (perhaps to fill in for two missing triggers) will feature in the update. Also, bear in mind that a North American release wasn’t specifically confirmed; given that Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (not SCE America) is largely responsible for what goes down at gamescom, we should probably file this "August 28" date under "99% positive".
Stay tuned to PSU.com for coverage from gamescom 2012, including the hottest news and previews on all things PlayStation. Sound off in the comments and let us know if you’re excited to play classics like Final Fantasy VII and Ape Escape on your Vita!