Sony updates PSP firmware to version 3.0

PSP update finally arrives, but best new features need a PS3

November 21, 2006

Sony has finally released the latest major update to its PSP system firmware. After a variety of minor security updates and small bug fixes, Sony released version 3.0 today over its PSP Network Update in both North America and Japan. Europe's update is expected soon.

PSP's 3.0 update offers a barrage of new features, including connectivity with the newly-released PlayStation 3, online game manuals, a visualization feature for music and a new feature which allows the download of PSone games onto the portable console.

The PSone feature is exciting, but not an option for most gamers yet. Currently, the only way to actually get one of these titles is to download it onto a PlayStation 3 and transfer it over. Since PS3 systems are in short supply after a hectic launch last week, few PSP owners will get to enjoy this feature for a while. Sony is working on technology, though, that will allow you to connect to a PSone system and directly copy a PSone disc onto your PSP handheld.

Sony has not provided a date for this functionality, but some sites are predicting that it will arrive this year.