Sony releases minor updates for PS3, PSP

PlayStation 3 owners will find an update available for their console's firmware today. According to Sony, version 2.36 will offer increased "system stability when playing select PlayStation format software titles." It's not the most specific description we've ever heard, but we'll take any upgrades we can get.

What we're really looking forward to is the recently confirmed 2.40 upgrade that will allow for in-game utilization of the XMB (cross-media bar)--something Xbox 360 owners have been able to take for granted since the system's launch. Also available in the next major update will be the once-rumored "trophy" system, the PS3 answer to Xbox Achievement points. No word yet on when we can expect the big 2.4 update.

Also getting the new firmware treatment today is the Sony PSP. The latest version 4.00 doesn't have too much to brag about besides a Google search option in its XMB and a few new video playback options.

We'll have more on the PS3's big 2.4 update in the coming weeks. What else would you like to see in this update? Let us know by sounding off in the comments section.

Sources: Kotaku and Joystiq

[desi_ak47]

When is PSP's 4.00 is releasing????

[whatnow992]

Its out now

[Mike Malone]

I would like to see parental controls like the X-box, that use ESRB and MPAA ratings to limit the play of games and movies. I don't know what "level 8" is, but I had to put a code in for the kids to watch a movie. Can't recall which one, but it was lees than R.

[drewyand]

how about something that lets you play your music while you are playing your game?

[scarface3010]

The 2.4 update for the PS3 will finally be the final blow to the Xbox 360. So far, in game messaging and achievements were the only reasons to justify paying for the Xbox and Xbox live. Soon the PS3 will have these same features and don't forget that the Playstation Network is FREE. There will be no reason for people to purchase the 360. Lastly, we have heard talk of the 360's avatars which will look extremely childish (as the Wii) in comparison to the PS3's virtual online community- HOME

The PS3 momentum is building and will soon be unstoppable.

[SteelDog]

You can't be serious. The only reason? How about a vastly superior game library? How about a more mature online community? How about a more developed achievements arena on Live ....oh and the profile (gamer card) revamp that is coming. Come on. The PS3 has to catchup in console adoption and stop letting it's #1 selling games (a la Grant Theft Auto) sell better on other consoles like the 360.

[SteelDog]

[scarface3010]

The 2.4 update for the PS3 will finally be the final blow to the Xbox 360. So far, in game messaging and achievements were the only reasons to justify paying for the Xbox and Xbox live. Soon the PS3 will have these same features and don't forget that the Playstation Network is FREE. There will be no reason for people to purchase the 360. Lastly, we have heard talk of the 360's avatars which will look extremely childish (as the Wii) in comparison to the PS3's virtual online community- HOME

The PS3 momentum is building and will soon be unstoppable.

[SteelDog]

X

[gbrbob]

i would like to see all ps3 platforms be able to play ps2 games.

[cant_get_enough_tech]

The problem is, in the 20GB, 60GB, and 80GB versions, there is a complete separate chipset inside the PS3, like having a PS2 inside. The 40GB doesn't have that separate chipset, so unless you want to crack it open that is impossible. Sorry for bursting the bubble...

[chrkeller]

Great news, I personally love achievements, currently I have over 11,000 points. It is about time for the ps3 to get a similar system. I'd like the Wii to follow suit as well. The one thing still missing with the ps3 is custom soundtracks, something the 360 has done since launch. Also in regards to Scarface, it isn't the final blow. The 360 has exclusives such as Halo, Gears of War and Ninja Gaiden II. As long as the 360 has top shelf exclusive games, it isn't going anywhere. Which is a good thing, competition benefits gamers. I love my ps3 and all, but having it be the only system would be terrible. All the great updates the ps3 gets is a direct result of the 360's success.

[RRosal]

"Also in regards to Scarface, it isn't the final blow. The 360 has exclusives such as Halo, Gears of War and Ninja Gaiden II."

Ummm...guess you must've missed the Metal Gear Solid 4 launch a couple of days ago. There's your first PS3 exclusive. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue as well. Then there's Resistance 2 coming up, and Final Fantasy XIII. Just evening the playing field here, because not everyone is necessarily all into Halo, Gears of War, or Ninja Gaiden II :)

[ZCapitan]

This is a much needed update by Sony for online play. I know lots of cross-over 360 players who ditch games on the PS3 that are on both systems because xbox live is just that much more dominant and user friendly. Now this would be the be-all end all of the 360 if all things were equal, but the endless lagging and lack of control for user connections really hurts the pS3 still even with this feature. In addition, the lack of matching you up to players in your skill level (I hate getting total newbs in hardcore rooms/levels) also puts a damper on play. PS3 has a ways to go, and you get what you pay for.

[brandonh33]

As far as I know, Sony has said that included with xmb is custom soundtracks. I really cant think of much more I would want in this update.

[eracer001]

Home.

[_ROC_Smkedog]

I was wondering if they are ever going to expand the friends list? 50 seems like a lot, but when you get down to it it's not so much. My clan is bigger than 50 people. So has anyone heard of such an upgrade?

[RRosal]

That would be a worthy upgrade, especially now with Singstar PS3 being out and most people not being able to accept your Friend Request because they're already maxxed out on their Friends List.

[_ROC_Smkedog]

It's all fine and dandy that these updates are occuring, but has anyone heard of them updating our "friends" list? 50 people sounds like a lot, but when you get down to it it's not so much. I'd like to see them expand that. I have over 50 people in my clan alone. Not to mention friends i have made along the way.

[rkenshin09]

I would personally like the ability to charge controllers while the device is in standby mode. Isn't this a situation that could be fixed with a software update?

[floet72]

I would like to see a flash player upgrade...and ability to play PS2 games as well, and thank goodness for the "custom tracks" option!

[Lil_J_4Eva]

I want to be able to listen to the music on my hard drive and play games

[macka71]

I want the option to select 5.1 audio via optical out to my amplifier and still have the stereo audio go with my component video cable to the television. It is a nuisance having to change in the system options.

[cmpbllman9]

Thank you. Finally someone said it.

[maxou723]

I would just love that Sony would add that sound could be output at the same time from the HDMi and optical outputs at the same time. This way i wouldn't have to swith from one output source to other when i want to use my home theatre or just the speakers from my tv.

[kslagerman]

PS2 GAMES PLAYABLE N THE 40 GIG! Please Sony... do what's right and make this possible.

[Angarvin517]

a flash support for the web browser so i can watch videos on break.com or collegehumor.com instead of just youtube.