AfterDawn: News

Sony unprepared for PS3 launch?

Eager consumers hoping to whet their appetites with a Japaneses version of the Sony PS3 that launches in 2 days will be in for a little shock. Apparently this first run of PS3 consoles does not contain the correct firmware to enable it to connect to the Playstation Network hub. Have no fear as the update is fairly simple, if nothing more than just a simple annoyance.

If that doesn't trip your trigger for Sony being the master of release hardware, there's more. The much touted ability to connect the PS3 with a PSP has also run into a bit of a snag. Whether merely software concerns, or yet another attempt at stopping "homebrew" applications on the PSP, users will need to update their PSP to version 3.0 in order to connect to their new PS3s. Unfortunately it seems that this update will not be available until at least the end of November.



Source:
IGN

Written by: Dave Horvath @ 9 Nov 2006 3:45

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• 29 comments

• connolly

  Is this news or just the usual sony baiting?

  9.11.2006 05:39 #1

• anubis66

  this issnt too bad. i wont own a psp untill this xmas.

  9.11.2006 07:19 #2

• georgeluv

  i give it a month before the psp gets new homebrew frimware that prevents this BS.

  9.11.2006 08:09 #3

• hade

  some info Quote:According to the latest at 1UP, Sony is going to prepare a firmware update that will unlock all the network features, and they're going to make it available from day 1 of the consoles life in the public. The update will be available precisely at 7:00 AM in Japan.
  
  In the same new post, it's also mentioned that Sony has another firmware update for the PS3 planned to release later this month. This firmware update will increase the PS3's security features, and also implement PS3 to PSP connectivity. The PS3 update will also update PSP firmware to 3.0.
  
  Sounds a bit like Sony is really ramping up their firmware support, or covering up some possible OS launch bugs.
  

  9.11.2006 08:28 #4

• DamonDash

  Lets get the system first then worry about this useless info...later.

  9.11.2006 09:10 #5

• oofRome

  Haha. Let's all just buy it first, and THEN learn what it can and cannot do. That doesn't sound irrational at all.

  9.11.2006 09:13 #6

• DamonDash

  Quote:Haha. Let's all just buy it first, and THEN learn what it can and cannot do. That doesn't sound irrational at all.Its called commonsense learn about it...If you read what they are talking about you would know why i said that better yeah let me give you a hint...If you not doing any illegal stuff then this should not worry you.
  
  Get it

  9.11.2006 10:27 #7

• handsom

  If I was getting a PS3, I wouldn't get one at launch. Sheerly because Sony has ALWAYS had bad systems at launch, when it comes to home consoles(Not portables).
  
  There were TONS of DOA PS2 systems at launch, not to mention defects later exposed, that Sony was trying to keep a secret. Can anyone say laser problems?
  
  If Sony has to update the firmware right out of the box, it indicates without any doubt, no matter what side you are on in this debate, that Sony put systems in their boxes too quick. A system should not NEED updates on day one. But it seems that since M$ got away with it, everyone else will do the same thing. It's a shame. And it is clear, from last November, that Sony isn't the only one doing it.
  
  Even one of Square Enix' heads was quoted in a major speech, saying that 'online update technology is wonderful, now we can release a game without having to spend nearly as much time debugging and testing it. We can release the product right away, and if there's a problem, we can fix it later.' This sort of attitude is NOT good for the gaming community, this is one of the things that everyone complains about with Microsoft. I miss getting a game system, and knowing it was good, and ready to go, right out of the box. I don't want to update, I don't want to wait for features. I want day one.
  
  Developers were once interested in the 'Day 1' experience. What happened to that?

  9.11.2006 10:47 #8

• tucker001

  just launch the damn thing

  9.11.2006 11:45 #9

• DamonDash

  First if anyone think that when you buy a system on day 1 that its going to be perfect or bug free is dreaming and blind to the fact.All console have this problem.People spend to much time worrying about it.

  9.11.2006 12:13 #10

• Toiletman

  The price has already turned off many gamers, why do they continue to **** up?

  9.11.2006 12:33 #11

• 21Q

  Like I said, wait untill march so bugs are fixed.

  9.11.2006 13:34 #12

• oofRome

  Quote:Its called commonsense learn about it...
  Common sense doesn't merit taking stabs in the dark and buying something you don't know will even work.
  Personally, I don't care; but a lot of people here on afterdawn use psp's for applications restricted by Sony, and I'm sure some of those people might be getting a ps3 at launch. So to dismiss this information as "useless until the system is purchased" is close minded and irresponsible.
  Quote:First if anyone think that when you buy a system on day 1 that its going to be perfect or bug free is dreaming and blind to the fact. All console have this problem.
  Not all of them.
  Quote:People spend to much time worrying about it.
  And those that do not spend to much money fixing it.

  9.11.2006 13:55 #13

• Ankoku

  @handsom
  "A system should not NEED updates on day one. But it seems that since M$ got away with it, everyone else will do the same thing. It's a shame. And it is clear, from last November, that Sony isn't the only one doing it. "
  
  Umm bought a computer lately? I see no problem downloading some updates when I plug it in, it'll probably only be about a 2 minute update...Actually I have a Version 1 PS2 that I have never had problems with but anyways, if you were screwing around with your PSP then upgrading the firmware shouldnt be a problem (Note: If I had a PSP I probably would have screwed around with it too :-P...but you can't complain if you arent using it for its intended purpose in the first place)...I'll be waiting to get my PS3 in Around March also, because we should see like a $100 drop or at least a nice bundle from Costco
  
  Updates are really a good thing because a lot of new age games will have bugs and I like the fact that all I'll have to do is download a patch, plus eventually someone will find ways to download homebrew stuff

  9.11.2006 14:01 #14

• tabletpc

  wow sony lied who saw this comming oh wait several prople here did and sony will always try to make people upgrade there psp and untill i see what they offer psp subscribers i wont update anything unless it is worth the price tag
  
  also not surprising the playstation 3 is built with the worng firmware but there is one major problem as well as if you cannot connect to the ps3 network how are you going to upgrade the ps3 firmware

  9.11.2006 15:09 #15

• oofRome

  A computer is much different. Virus definitions, os patches, driver updates, etc. Those are reasonable.
  
  But this update is for a hardware feature that was touted way back at e3.
  
  edit** although, really, this problem is sort of moot. I'll agree to that.

  9.11.2006 15:12 #16

• Rikoshay

  This doesn't seem to effect anybody other than the Japanese market. By the time it hits the US it should already be updated, but who really knows. It should most definitely be updated by the time Europe/Australia get it, so I doubt this concerns them.

  9.11.2006 15:13 #17

• ZippyDSM

  Welcome to the next level!

  9.11.2006 15:20 #18

• CiDaemon

  I really hoped that Sony wouldn't rush this console out, consider how much we're paying for it.
  
  I don't mind online bug fixes; there will always be bugs and errors in code that are not noticed before release. But manufacturers should do their best to clear their software of bugs before first realease anyway, because it gives a better first impression for the product, which can really change people's perception of it. The same can be said for any product, even PC games (which are easily updateable). Even if Sony fixes all of their bugs with online updates, buyers will still be upset that their $XXX console was rushed out without any effort given to correcting errors.
  
  All else aside, Sony should be most careful of clearing any hardware problems that can't be fixed with updates. This kind of thing will REALLY detract from sales.
  
  For example, I was wary of buying a PS2 for a looong time because of the Disk Read Errors that 50%+ of buyers were having. Consider if something like this happened to the Ps3 because they rushed it out. I think another faulty console would really depreciate Sony's reputation. The problems with the Ps2 should have made Sony more aware of the problems that can arise from insufficient testing. Instead, it looks like they're throwing caution to the wind in order to make their release date.
  
  Would you rather wait another month for your Ps3 or get a Ps3 that has some incorrectable fault that makes it unplayable or nearly unplayable?
  
  Personally, I'll wait for a working console. I don't plan to buy a Ps3 until another few versions are released and Sony has had sufficient time to remove the flaws in the console.
  
  -------------------------------------------------------
  Not having a PSP or ever planning to buy one, I really don't have a strong opinion on the PSP-PS3 issue. It stinks of homebrew-smashing, but mabye it's not. It could be a legitimate software issue; as we can already see, the PS3 software is anything but perfect.

  9.11.2006 16:03 #19

• Ankoku

  @ oofRome,
  
  I'll give you that they should have this already in, but its not as big a deal as some of the ppl make it sound
  
  @tabletpc, It will more than likely be the same style upgrade as when they decided to upgrade Socom 3, you'll try to connect, it'll say Upgrade necessary, and BAM you're upgraded, no fuss no muss, and if you dont have the internet or aren't interested then it doesnt matter at all. And like I said, there's nothing wrong with Sony requiring the PSP upgrade, how else are they supposed to place bumps in the road for hackers/homebrewers, They're actually in the right. Say for instance you have a homebrew program that allows you to play Mario something or other, You're actually breaking copyright laws, but anyhow, if you want to have the psp to ps3 connection, you have to follow the rules...at least until they figure out a way to crack the v3 firmware

  9.11.2006 16:04 #20

• ZippyDSM

  Ankoku
  pretty much,thus why waiting a year or so to have full control of the PS3 is to a bad idea :P

  9.11.2006 16:15 #21

• xhardc0re

  I totally agree with what handsom says. And won't this attitude by Square & other developers play right into the hands of Nintendo? I doubt Nintendo wants to lose it's family friendly image by releasing CRAP, then patching it later on. The main reason I chose console games over PC games (and i've been playing since the mid 80's) is because console games don't crash. they don't need an update, a patch, or anything else. They just *work*. Right out of the box. Screw M$, Square, or anyone that things releasing a poorly made game & then patching it later is acceptable.

  10.11.2006 07:38 #22

• ZippyDSM

  xhardc0re
  bah kids gaming has gone to hell much like kids TV I mean you don't see epic kids shows like beast wars or Pirates of dark water anymore its all PC/repuked crap or bady raped anime.....

  10.11.2006 07:48 #23

• CrisKahn2

  this isnt really a huge problem. Firmware updates are common. Im sure PS3 launch titles wont need to connect to PSP anyways. By the time that comes Devhook will take care of it.

  11.11.2006 14:20 #24

• msitarski

  just think of the blu ray laser problems..

  23.11.2006 18:10 #25

• ZippyDSM

  msitarski
  meh the lazer is not the problem *L*

  23.11.2006 18:21 #26

• handsom

  .........Yet. lol.
  
  
  Forgive me for having absolutely zero faith in this system. I've been through the PS2 and PSP runs already.
  

  Professional Grade Glass Etching - Get your favorite Game/Movie/Anime logos etched into glass, PM me for info.

  24.11.2006 09:30 #27

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by handsom:.........Yet. lol.
  
  
  Forgive me for having absolutely zero faith in this system. I've been through the PS2 and PSP runs already.10 to 1 the pre release of th PS3 console were made "normaly" the next batch are made quickly and quailty control turned down.
  
  
  Besides after any launch it takes 6 months for fanboys to feel tst the system..and after all the wet love'in their going to give it,what more can you ask they test systems like no others ^^
  

  
  
  FIGHT THE M.A.F.I.A.A.
  Sony has declared war on importers the consumer will be next with CD's,Videos/Games not far behind that....boycott SONY!
  http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/8062.cfm

  24.11.2006 13:49 #28

• xhardc0re

  so does anyone know if Linux support is ready with the lastest PS3+firmware? I'm itching to see what kind of homebrew this baby can turn out!

  28.1.2007 00:17 #29