Report: PlayStation 2 Games Coming to PS3 Store

A poster on the N4G forums has produced an image which appears to show PlayStation 2 titles available on the PlayStation 3's digital storefront, allegedly taken by an employee at Sony Studios London.

According to the post, the source also claimed that the PlayStation 2 lineup is to be officially announced at the E3 Media and Business Summit, with an official launch coming later this summer.

Sony's PlayStation Store currently offers many titles previously available at retail, including original PlayStation and PSP titles. Though all PS3 models are compatible with PS1 software, only one model currently available on store shelves—the 80GB—provides PlayStation 2 functionality.

However, rumors have long-circulated of a firmware update that would enable all versions of the PlayStation 3 to play PlayStation 2 titles via software emulation. Currently, the 80GB PS3 uses a mix of software and hardware emulation to provide PS2 playback.

The games pictured in the above snapshot includes:

• Metal Gear Solid 2 (Kojima Productions)

• Fantavision (Sony Computer Entertainment)

• Red Faction (Volition Inc.)

• Ridge Racer V (Namco Bandai)

• Smuggler's Run (Rockstar San Diego, formerly Angel Studios)

• SSX (EA Canada)

• The Bouncer (Square-Enix)

As with most rumors in the weeks preceding E3, expect clarification from Sony when the conference kicks off next month.