Original PlayStation downloads go live in US

North American PSP owners can now get hold of the first batch of original PlayStation games for download.

The files are downloaded to the PlayStation 3, and then transferred to the PSP via a USB cable. Files range in size from 157 to 535 megabytes.

The first five titles are Crash Bandicoot, Cool Boarders, Hot Shots Golf 2, Syphon Filter and Tekken 2, all of which are priced at US $5.99 (EUR 4.49).

Original multiplayer features for the games will not work as they have not been configured to use the PSP WiFi functionality.

Although PSP owners currently require a PlayStation 3 to download the files from the PlayStation Store, Sony is promising to launch a dedicated PSP online service, where consumers can download games directly to a memory stick.

The list of US titles differs from those currently available for Japanese consumers, with games such as Resident Evil: Director's Cut, Silent Bomber and Mr. Driller available in the region.

It's expected that European consumers will also be offered a different line-up when the service launches in PAL territories.