Sony has released version 1.7 of its PlayStation 3 system software, supposedly adding three new features to its top-of-the-line video game console system. Users who miss the shake and rumble in controllers for their older PSOne and PlayStation 2 systems will appreciate they can now use those controllers in all their vibrating glory on their PlayStation 3 consoles. Also, owners of Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld gaming devices may be able to share games and saved data with their PS3…although we have conflicting reports as to whether these features work reliably.
PlayStation 3 owners who have Internet access can download the update via the System Update feature in the console’s Settings menu. To take advantage of new functionality for the PSP, owners will need to update both their PlayStation 3 consoles to software version 1.7, and also update their PSPs to software version 3.40. Once that’s done, PlayStation software users have downloaded and purchased from the PlayStation Store for their PSP should become playable on the PS3—although, we have reports this isn’t necessarily working for all users. PS3 owners should be able to download the titles again from the Download list at the PlayStation Store; if the software is copyable, users can then transfer the titles to their PSP using a USB connection.
The updates should also enable users to move saved game data for PlayStation games back and forth between a PS3 and PSP, enabling players to keep going with the same game at home or on the go. However, data saved under version 3.40 of the PSP software cannot be used on a PSP running software 3.30 or earlier, so if you swap game data with friends, be sure you’re all running the latest firmware.
