Sony pushes out PlayStation 3 system update v.4.00

Microsoft isn’t the only company delivering console updates to gamers over the next week. Sony has announced that version 4.00 of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system software is now freely available for all PS3 consoles.

The main feature, of course, is support for the PlayStation Vita portable gaming device, which will be released in Japan in three weeks. Gamers with both systems will be able to copy media—including music, videos, and images, as well as games and applications—between devices. PS Vita backup and remote system updates are also supported when connected to the PS3.

Of course, the update also includes a few minor features for those without Sony’s upcoming portable device, such as new settings for filtering PlayStation Network (PSN) messages and the ability for PlayStation Plus members to fine-tune automatic updates. Other features include improved Blu-ray Disc upscaling, two new system languages, and improved privacy settings.

Whether or not this update is worthy of the jump to a major new version number is up for debate, but PlayStation gamers are sure to appreciate the features either way.

[PlayStation.Blog]