PlayStation Vita Firmware 1.80 Coming August 28

On August 28, Sony will release two major updates for the PlayStation Vita: native PSOne Classics support for playing PS1 games on-the-go, and a system update in the form of firmware 1.80.

The firmware will add fast rewind, fast-forward, and variable speed navigation for playing videos in the Video application, and music playlists from iTunes and PS3 can now be imported onto the Vita. The web browser now supports the use of the rear touch pad, allowing you to pinch and zoom on web pages as you would with a smartphone or tablet, but without obscuring the front screen with your fingers. Also, the “Cross-Controller” icon will be displayed accordingly in the Remote Play app to notify you of games that support the feature.

The most notable addition in my mind, however, is the ability to navigate the system menu with the system’s outward-facing buttons instead of just the touchscreen. Finally.

Along with those features comes bug fixes and other minor updates – all of which you can read over at Sony’s PlayStation Blog.

You know what also releases on August 28? The Ratchet & Clank HD Collection. Booyah!