It's not so perfect after all
23.05.12
To say the Vita’s backwards compatibility has issues would be an understatement. The device, recently launched in Japan has thus far displayed a model strongly discouraging players from using their collections of PSP UMDs.
The first problem is one of hardware. Sony is using a combination of hardware and software emulation that it admits “isn’t perfect”. As such, not only will the gaming experience vary greatly from title to title, but Sony has announced that several games would simply not be available. In addition, the Vita requires a hardware reset and the PSN account, making re-downloading digital purchases from old accounts difficult.
The process of downloading games is also a tedious process. First, one has to download an application on the PSP to generate codes for UMD games. Then another app on the PS Vita accepts the code to activate the game’s download. After which, the game can only be downloaded on paying a transfer fee. This transfer fee is also a significant obstacle. Ranging between USD 6 to 31, it can be more expensive then re-purchasing the game itself. The principle of this fee is also questionable. True backwards compatibility implies utilization of pre-owned software.
Source: Deccan Chronicle