Does the Vita’s backwards compatibility with PSP games extend to PS1 games

backwards compatibilityps-vitapsone-classics

Specifically, those purchased legally through the PSN Store. It seems like it should, but I can't find a definitive answer anywhere.

Best Answer

Update 1: PSOne Classics will come to the Vita August 28, 2012 (Joystiq)
Update 2: On August 28, PlayStation Vita firmware update 1.8 went live, enabling the Vita to play select PSOne Classics. IGN has a list of compatible PSOne games.
Update 3: At this point most, but not all, PSX classics are supported on Vita. As per a recent mixup, all PSX games were temporarily downloadable on PS Vita, and all of them work. The reason any remaining titles aren't available on Vita is likely due to licensing issues.

PS Vita didn't support PSOne/archive titles at launch. You will need to wait.

From Gamespot:

Japanese PS Vita FAQ page reveals upcoming handheld will not play archived titles initially, says more details will be revealed later.

And from the Playstation Blog:

Q: Is PS Vita compatible with other PlayStation platform games like PS3, PS2, or PSP? Do you have any plan to support other PlayStation platforms in the future?
A: Users can play supported digital PSP titles and supported minis. In regard to PSone classics titles, we will announce further details when they are ready. PlayStation does not have plans to make PS Vita compatible with PS3 or PS2 titles at this point.