PS3 firmware 2.00 hits tomorrow

Sure, 2.00 might sound like a magical milestone, but in reality there's not a whole lot here that's going to revolutionize your gaming experience, and sadly nothing yet to bring online communication and play to parity with Xbox Live and Xbox's handy dandy dashboard. That said, Sony is strengthening some of the PS3's unique features, like the new Remote Start function that lets you fire up your PS3 remotely when you're accessing it with your PSP, and playlists for music and photos. One of the biggest "additions" is DualShock 3 support, but that's so laughably last-gen that it's hardly worth noting. Sony is also packing in the ability to create and share your own Themes for XMB, and a news ticker that will eventually make way for the importing of your own RSS feeds. Sony also added a new XMB group to the main menu to pave the way for Home and other internets-friendly features, and -- oddly enough -- Canon printer support to really round out the package. The update will be available in the States tomorrow, November 8th.

Update: PS3 Fanboy has some exclusive screenshots of the new interface.

[Via Joystiq]

[nickels @ Nov 7th 2007 11:05AM]

why keep updating so much :(

bring out some games that make me want to use my ps3 :'(

[Maestro @ Nov 7th 2007 11:08AM]

I agree. When I turn on my PS3 to update to 2.0, this will be the first time in the last 60 days I have turned it on.

I thought 2.0 was supposed to bring world peace or cure cancer or something.

[Patrick @ Nov 7th 2007 11:09AM]

Who needs games when you can use your PS3 as a print server? SWEET

[joey @ Nov 7th 2007 11:18AM]

Where have you guys been? read the list and, then you will want to get a job to actually buy the games, rather than complain about the ones you don't have. :)

http://ps3.gamespy.com/index/release.html

[nickels @ Nov 7th 2007 11:21AM]

theyre all coming soon!

[Taurim @ Nov 7th 2007 11:55AM]

> I agree. When I turn on my PS3 to update to 2.0, this will be the first time in the last 60 days I have turned it on.

You probably don't have a PS3 to make such a comment...

I have a PS3 and i'm using it every day, several hours per day and I'm not watching only firmware updates, thanks :-)

[Fruition @ Nov 7th 2007 11:57AM]

Better sooner than later! Quit complaining.

The point is, you can stop asking for them, one look at that list will tell you that good games are coming, so stop asking and be patient.

[MEAT! @ Nov 7th 2007 1:39PM]

@Patrick

Who keeps their printer next to the TV?

[michas_pi @ Nov 7th 2007 2:08PM]

@Maestro

The PS3 is already curing cancer.

[something @ Nov 7th 2007 3:10PM]

Comments like this drive me crazy. Sony isn't responsible for making all the PS3 games. That is mostly up to the game companies. Sony's primary responsibility is the console itself and I think they're doing a helluva job.

[Andir3.0 @ Nov 7th 2007 3:12PM]

It's not a print server, it's a feature so people who use the PS3 for a media center can print off photos and crap like that. Grow up.

[rawd @ Nov 7th 2007 11:20AM]

I love how Engadget takes PS news and still manages to shit all over it, with Xbox talk all in the first sentence.

[wireless.nemo @ Nov 7th 2007 11:30AM]

Isn't it ironic how they love Apple more than life itself, but at the same time they want to molest the crap out of the MICROSOFT xbox 360?

[Ang @ Nov 7th 2007 11:32AM]

@rawd Sir, you are 100% correct, and engadget is 100% predictable.

@Maestro = Blah, blah blah, blah. yea it's been said a thousand times. If you don't like the PS3, SELL IT, If you don't like the PS3 Games, SELL IT, just please stop the whining already, and enjoy your 360.

[Ang @ Nov 7th 2007 11:32AM]

@rawd Sir, you are 100% correct, and engadget is 100% predictable.

@Maestro = Blah, blah blah, blah. yea it's been said a thousand times. If you don't like the PS3, SELL IT, If you don't like the PS3 Games, SELL IT, just please stop the whining already, and enjoy your 360.

[DickHardknocks @ Nov 7th 2007 11:33AM]

HAHAHAHAHAH

[Jason @ Nov 7th 2007 11:41AM]

They mention the Xbox because even with the updates that the PS3 comes out with it still can't go toe-to-toe with the Xbox. The unit has been a huge bust and there is no getting around it.

Well, maybe not a complete bust. After all, you can't print with an Xbox...Chalk one up for the PS3!

[joey @ Nov 7th 2007 11:47AM]

@Jason

The xbox360 also cannot play Call of duty as great looking than the ps3, not even a pc can play it as good as the ps3. Do I smell a slip up?

[sprint_tech @ Nov 7th 2007 12:02PM]

@joey

Yes, one game is a slip up. An entire console is a disaster.

[Jason @ Nov 7th 2007 12:10PM]

@Sprint_tech

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[joey @ Nov 7th 2007 12:20PM]

@Sprint_tech
Theres always the beginning to something, Also the ps3 barely came out and its gaining quick on a console that was released almost tw0 years ago, some are already saying that the 360 is old news. But Ill still play my elite every now and then. but my PS3 is the most used.

FANBOY PROTECTION ENABLED!

[chris fredette @ Nov 7th 2007 12:35PM]

Check it, just went to buy COD4 last night:
Xbox360=1080p
PS3=720p
I'll take the 360 one then. The online and controllers are better too.Yes I have a PS3.
I also checked every other new game for the 720P/1080P paradox and found that the new LEGO games is the only one that is 1080p for both systems. So I'm getting the wii version as you get to use the wiimote as a light saber.
So I fail to see how the PS3 can have superior hardware.

[rawd @ Nov 7th 2007 12:50PM]

@chris douchette

COD:4 for PS3 @ 1080p CONFIRMED
Just uncheck 720p in your XMB display settings and the game plays in 1080p.

[James @ Nov 7th 2007 3:57PM]

RE: "If you don't like the games, SELL IT" -- I don't have one yet. I *really* want to play Ratchet and Clank, but 500 bucks worth of want.

I'm perfectly entitled to think that Sony has been slack in securing good exclusives. I've said it before. Check out Metacritic's "sort by score" list for 360 and PS3, then take out the cross-platform titles. You're left with a tiny handful of good/high-scoring PS3 games. 360 fares significantly better. Why? It had a year head start. That may not be "fair", but it's reality, so for the time being 360 wins on the strength of its library. Sony knew when they *chose* to delay launch that they'd have to fight to catch up, and frankly they haven't been doing that very well.

[DonatoM3 @ Nov 16th 2007 4:12PM]

I could have sworn every game mag says there is practically no difference graphiwise between the PS3 and 360 version of COD4.

Also I own both systems. The PS3 is the more powerful one that is no doubt. Where they messed up was in software. Who buys a console so that they have to wait 5 minutes the first time they put in a game to install it.

Plus engadget is comparing how PS3's handling of your friends list and online features doesn't hold a candle to Live.

I'm not bashing the PS3, I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't think it was worth the money. I'm just Microsoft got the user interface down right on the 360.

[John @ Nov 7th 2007 11:27AM]

It's reasonable to compare similar services... in this case, the online extensions of two current consoles. It's not like they said "We're sure that Nintendo could do it better" or some such crap.

[ceilingfanboy @ Nov 7th 2007 11:27AM]

@Maestro- That came with Folding@home.

So, will I finally be able to go back to using a custom wallpaper? I had to go back to the default because I couldn't read the XMB with custom wallpapers since you were stuck with the same font and couldn't put a background to just the XMB.

[Andir3.0 @ Nov 7th 2007 3:16PM]

Yes

[Afsheen @ Nov 7th 2007 11:29AM]

That's it?

[Loban @ Nov 7th 2007 11:37AM]

Hey, for a system with no games, this is pretty exciting news.

Xbox 360 owner: "Hey did you hear that Mass Effect is coming out next week, I'm so stoked. I'll gonna be up all night playing it."

PS3 owner: "Yeah, that's cool. But I'm totally waking up early to install Firmware Update 2.0 on my PS3, It's gonna rock. I'm gonna be up all night printing to my Canon printer."

[rv @ Nov 7th 2007 11:42AM]

MASS EFFECT OMG OMG OMG OMG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If god was an rpg, then that rpg would probably (not) be mass effect.

[Loban @ Nov 7th 2007 11:47AM]

I'm gonna assume you're being sarcastic. And just for the record, I'm not all psycho for Mass Effect. In fact, I personally may not even like it. It was just an example of one of the many good games coming out for the 360 in the near future. No, I don't think it will cure cancer and bring together all nations and races for world peace.

[rv @ Nov 7th 2007 11:54AM]

NO, I am not sarcastic. I love kotor and jade empire. Cannot wait!

[Loban @ Nov 7th 2007 11:56AM]

Oh, I just assumed you were being sarcastic because of your (not) comment. Sorry.

[Andrew @ Nov 7th 2007 12:04PM]

Now that's just mean. You're going too far. Even if it is true that there aren't many games, the PS3 in my household is still turned on quite often so it can play BluRay movies and upsampled DVDs (it does an amazing job there). It also does a really great job of displaying photos, as well as a network media client for photos (music and videos need more work). Is it sad that the strength of the device so far is in its media capabilities rather than games? Yes. But there's much more worth in PS3's media capabilities than your "print server" comment implies.

As for games, within last few months there's been Heavenly Sword, Ratchet and Clank and now Call of Duty 4. They are ranking from good to excellent. The PS3 may end up being a bust but no need to exaggerate. If it wasn't also a BluRay player then I might agree with you.

[Loban @ Nov 7th 2007 12:12PM]

Well, the 360 may not play HD movies (at least not from the drive), it doesn't serve as a great media extender from a PC. I steam HD movies (yes, true HD movies), pics, and music from it all the time. Oh, and it has lots of games too.

And my $3000 TV does a better job of upsampling DVDs than any upsampling DVD player anyway. Upsampling DVD players are the biggest con in the industry right now. Most good HDTVs do a better job of upsampling a 480p source to it's own native resolution than any upsampling DVD player. Anyway, that's another arguement.

[Maestro @ Nov 7th 2007 1:17PM]

@Loban
Great post! Right on the money.

[Loban @ Nov 8th 2007 9:33AM]

OMG, I need to proofread my comments before submitting them. In that last comment I meant: "the 360 DOES serve as a great media extender from a PC" and "I stream HD movies". And I also meant to say upscaling DVD players, not upsampling. I must have been half asleep when I wrote that.

[Steve @ Nov 7th 2007 11:52AM]

How about some in game XMB access? Or maybe an updated browser with real Flash??

[murph @ Nov 7th 2007 11:52AM]

as a X360 Fanboy, i'm a little jealous of the ticker/RSS support idea. very cool.

[Tim @ Nov 9th 2007 12:11AM]

As a PS3 and 360 owner, I can say one thing I appreciate about the PS3 is the simplicity of the XMB which better lends itself to RSS tickers. The 360's blades have gotten too cluttered with promotions...would be hard to add RSS feeds anywhere on the existing blades.

[Richard @ Nov 7th 2007 11:54AM]

I think the PS3 just needs some some games ported from other systems and remakes of older ps2 games to get it on it's feet. Oh wait...

[Fruition @ Nov 7th 2007 11:59AM]

I'm a die-hard Sony fan, but even I laughed at this:

"One of the biggest "additions" is DualShock 3 support, but that's so laughably last-gen that it's hardly worth noting."

[CosterMonger @ Nov 7th 2007 12:05PM]

how about better linux drivers, from what I've read - WPA isn't working properly.

and free up the graphics chip for some compiz fusion action.

and release that dualshock3 before the end of the year pre-bundled so I can save $60.

oh yeah... and some GAMES!

[Andir3.0 @ Nov 7th 2007 3:33PM]

Sony can only make so many games a year. You need to be talking to EA, Insomniac (doing good so far), Ubisoft, 2K, Vivendi, Activision, Konami, Koei, THQ, Namco Bandai, Eidos, et al.

[NLN350 @ Nov 7th 2007 12:19PM]

No DTS HD MA support?

[heavenlysword @ Nov 7th 2007 1:01PM]

There are always rooms for both platforms to grow (360 and PS3).
You fanboys are the saddest thing happens in life.

@chris fredette
IMO, I like PS3 controller better. 360 is kinda bulky and quite heavy compared to PS3.

[deedeedee @ Nov 7th 2007 1:02PM]

I'm still holding back on the PS3, I know eventually I'll get it, but not now. Recently I found some really good games on the PSP and its officially out of the dust collecting bin, and since FF7 hits US on the PSP soon, PSP is now my primary game console.

Meanwhile, I bought a couple of those long-ass RPG games for my PS2 which should last me till the end of time, and hopefully PS3 will seem more attractive by then ;)

[Robert @ Nov 7th 2007 1:16PM]

There IS in game XMB support with the 2.0. Pretty sure i read that elsewhere. You might want to read about it elsewhere since this tid bit was lacking in substance. Games... If you say there are no games out for the ps3 then you are on crack. How about going to a store and telling them to put the last 20 games released this month on the shelf. I went to EB games where they were still showing the old games and all the new were behind the counter and i had to ask for them. Sony IS getting its act together. Alot of people still own just a PS2 and have alot of games. As a result good games like God of War etc are still being made for it. All of those people are looking to jump into the ps3 this xmas especially with the new low pricing. If anything dont take my word for it. Hit the news stand and grab a magazine or two they all agree that Sony is hitting it hard and its really starting to show. I had this conversation at EB with a staff member when i was buying 2 new games. And he just blurted out how he wants to buy a ps3 now. After seeing all the systems being sold and the new energy around it.

I'm still blown away how 360 owners arent a little pissed after all the breakdowns suffered...the crashing... a system thats JUST producing the same level games with the first gen games that were mostly rushed to print on the ps3. Then to offer the same features (and still even falling short), they come out with a pricey Elite? What a mere year later? Your HD drive doesnt work for games and guess what. Start reading about the limitations of DVDs by some game makers. How they are starting to cut corners without the extra storage. I could go on...k i will.

And the dashboard on the XBOX? Gimme a break. I sat at my friends house trying to download a free game or atleast something decent for $8. It was darn near impossible. I'm sorry but the Dashboard is garbage compared to the simple XMB. And chatting during games? WHO CARES?! Beyond lets join up and lets kill something. I wont be swapping recipes. Home is coming and thats what its for. Engaget you just felt like pointing out the obvious that it wasnt in 2.0? Good for you. Now supply some real info for a change.

Oh and i love to stream HD to my PS3 too. Its called TVersity software. Net radio streams live tv etc. *sigh Darn near brings a tear to my eye.

[Nubaeus @ Nov 7th 2007 3:36PM]

And chatting during games? WHO CARES?! Beyond lets join up and lets kill something. I wont be swapping recipes.


If you had any games that required communication...let me rephrase... if you had any games for your system you'd understand why chatting is a must