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Sony prepping firmwares updates for PS3 launch
You might've hoped that after years of PS3 strife -- coupled with a couple of weeks in line, of course -- that once you'd forked over your $600 + games + accessories + HDMI, you could finally plop down on the couch and start washing away all the grief with MotoStorm / Genji / Ridge Racer / Resistance, smug in your next-gen digs. Well, you can... after you run a quick firmware update. See, Sony saved its PlayStation Network online service functionality for a version 1.1 update, which can be accessed from a menu item on the PS3 on launch day. Sony says it's also prepping a 3.0 PSP update for late November that will also add PlayStation Network support, along with the ability to access PS3 content via WiFi.
Sony firmware update due at launch!
With the PlayStation Network offering tons of downloadable content and games, messaging features, and more, we've got more to look forward to than the launch titles we may or may not give a banana about. But wait, there's a catch. When you get your hands on the shiny PS3 (in Japan, at least) you won't have the proper firmware to get connected with the PSN hub. No worries, though. Upon launch, all you've got to do is run a system update and install version 1.10 of the system software. It's a very easy process, we promise.Sony didn't mention why this feature wasn't included right out of box, but if it just takes a quick update, there's not really much argument. It's like complaining you don't have any ice cream when you're in line at an ice cream store where everything is free!Similarly, the PS3 -> PSP connectivity dealie is all ready to go for the PS3, but... not the PSP. It needs to get updated to version 3.0, those of you who own one. This update won't be ready until later this month. Hopefully it'll be ready to go by the North America launch. If not, it shouldn't be too long of a wait. Um... that is all. Good luck, and may Science be with you.
PS3 firmware upgraded to 1.1, PSP 3.0 later
When PlayStation 3 launches on Saturday in Japan, the first firmware upgrade (v1.10) will be available to anyone lucky enough to score a unit. The update will add support for PlayStation Network.Later this month (post launch) PSP will receive a similar update (firmware v3.00), also enabling PlayStation Network functionality. In addition, with both devices upgraded, "Remote Play" will be possible, allowing users to access content stored on PS3 via PSP.See also: 3.00 firmware to miss PS3 launch
Sony is doing some things right
Hardcore Casual Gamer highlights two decisions that suggest Sony is handling some PlayStation 3 issues correctly. First, the online PlayStation Store will not confuse or frustrate shoppers with a deceptive points system; and second, downloadable (original) PlayStation games will cost just $5.We're tired of shelling out for pre-paid Microsoft Points, and then doing a mental conversion every time we want to know how much a chunk of downloadable content really costs -- and we're not looking forward to doing the same on Wii. So we're thrilled Sony has cut that step out of the process; and in doing so, is making that straight-up-five-dollar PlayStation joint look a lot more tempting. Isn't Nintendo charging the same amount for NES games? Wait a minute ... gotta do the conversion ...
Hands-on with the PlayStation Network
It's not really fair to judge the PS3's online component before, like, the console is actually released and gamers start putting it through its paces, but it's still interesting hear Eurogamer's take on a pre-launch version of the PlayStation Network, courtesy of some exclusive face time with Sony exec Phil Harrison. From the site's extensive coverage of many aspects of the service, the most noticeable theme is that Sony seems to have been closely watching the successes and failures of Xbox Live, and is serious about its promise to meet or exceed all of Live's capabilities. Therefore, many of features that 360 fans have become accustomed to -- consistent UI, multiple methods of communicating with friends, and downloadable content -- are prominently featured in the Network experience, with other aspects -- namely a full web browser, multitude of game-specific mini-stores, and pricing in real currency as opposed to "points" -- clearly designed to one-up Microsoft's offering. Other nice touches here include the ability to create a master account and regulated "associated" accounts (helpful for parents looking to police their kids' usage), a global "Wallet" with which you make all micro-payments (including those required by third-party publishers), and of course, an upgradable OS that leverages the hard drive on both versions of the PS3. Downsides? Unlike Xbox Live, the first iteration of PlayStation Network doesn't let friends communicate while playing a game; even though you'll get a notification of new messages during gameplay, you have to exit the game in order to read them and respond. Also, it's still not clear if / how Sony will implement player rankings a la Live's leaderboards, which is a feature that naturally-competitive gamers have come to expect. All-in-all, though, it sounds like Sony has put a lot of thought into the usability of this increasingly important aspect of the console experience, and assuming that the company is able to overcome potential shortages, lack of rumble, and other well-known nitpicks, the PlayStation Network looks poised to attract the same fervent following as XBL.[Via PS3 Fanboy and Joystiq]
