Firmware 2.36 imminent; 2.40 confirmed to contain in-game XMB and trophies

by Jem Alexander { Jun 17th 2008 at 6:05PM }

Your PS3 is about to get a digital gift in the form of another firmware update. Version 2.36 will improve "system stability when playing select PlayStation format software titles." That is to say, not a lot. Still, the latest PlayStation Blog post has finally confirmed the rumors that another firmware update is on its way at some point. 2.40 will include in-game XMB and trophies. But you already know that.

There's no real timeframe for either of these updates, but you can expect to see v2.36 within the next day or so. As for 2.40, the PS Blog is careful to stress to us that they, and only they, will be the source for when it is coming. You may have heard various rumored release dates for the update which have passed by uneventfully, so that's clearly something to keep in mind. Needless to say v2.40 will get the full video tutorial treatment, as usual. We'll let you know as soon as we're told anything new.

Tags: 2.36, 2.40, firmware, playstation-blog

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

padraig @ Jun 17th 2008 6:12PM

will 2.36 fix GTA IV freezing i hope so ive already finished MGS4 3 times

Popfrogs @ Jun 17th 2008 6:29PM

You know, if Sony has done any forensics on the freezing 60GB and 20GB ps3's to see why GTA4 was freezing them up...maybe this firmware update will fix that problem. I don't see any other reason for 2.36 at this time.

paul @ Jun 17th 2008 6:41PM

I REEEEEEAAAALLLY hope so

Tim Parsons @ Jun 17th 2008 6:52PM

what GTAIV freezing, i have a 60GB and it's never froozen.

paul @ Jun 17th 2008 7:37PM

it has for me and i NEED it fixed

Gluesniffer @ Jun 17th 2008 8:04PM

I have a 80g with the freezing problem. I keep getting stuck on missions. I would drive around, and my car would start floating. Or my cell phone would dissapear (nothing in my hand). The only work around I have found is to delete the game data, reboot, reinstall.

I did that routine for a week, trying it once every day then it worked. I could do a few missions, then it would freeze again.

I gave up, now playin MGS.

Ninjakamster (PS360 FTW!) @ Jun 17th 2008 8:40PM

GTA4 damaged my 60gb's Blu-Ray drive, would no longer read the game or any other Blu-Ray discs, still read other discs fine though.

I hear the same is happening on some PS3s with MGS4. Sigh, had to get a 360 in the meantime, will get a PS3 again when its all fixed. : (

Da @ Jun 17th 2008 9:32PM

Ninjakamster, exact same thing happened to my 60G, it's out of warranty but Sony are still going to cover it. Will take 4 to 6 weeks for the repairs though :(
The offered a refurbished one I could get in 20 days.. umm, i'll wait the extra few weeks thanks.

Denkigrve @ Jun 18th 2008 11:46AM

Ninjakamaster:
It's not the game that's breaking your console. It's the lens going bad. Sony had serious issues with this on the PS2 as well. It's NOT the games fault, it's the fault of the hardware. They got sued in the past over this, so they're treating customers with this issue very well to avoid the same thing. Even now if you get an DRE on an older PS2 sony will fix it for free due to the lawsuit.

Google PS2 and DRE and read up on it. The problem that people are getting is the same thing. The Blu Ray lens is failing, and it's still capable of reading other media since it doesn't need the same level of focus from the lens. My PS2 had this issue, and I seriously hope my PS3 doesn't ever get this.

Lars @ Jun 18th 2008 5:20PM

I have a 60GB PS3. I've played over 50 hours of GTA4 with no problems, and played over 30 hours of MGS4 with no problems either. Maybe some production runs weren't as well QC'd... it happens a lot in manufacturing. But if it's a software issue, hopefully they'll fix that.

Regarding the system not reading BD's, sounds like a LASER focus problem. Same thing happens on pretty much all optical drives over time, regardless of the manufacturer, but if it happens early in the device's lifespan then that's not right.

The PS2's had a problem of going out of focus earlier than expected. Sony had a plastic part inside that tended to wear down a bit and throw it off, which they later replaced with a sturdier one. Most optical drives are adjustable though, so if it's out of warranty, don't spend $150 sending it in. Try adjusting it first... unless you've got spare money to blow. I'm sure you can google a tutorial on this. I've done it for DVD players and CD players before, and I did it on my friend's PS2.

Branden @ Jun 21st 2008 2:48AM

Youve finished Metal Gear 4 three time already???? Dude does the sun make you melt go outside and get at least a breath of fresh air or how bout a girlfriend something. Thats not a fanboy thats a LOSER

paul @ Jun 23rd 2008 2:15PM

hey brandan theres no need for just because you cant finish it

Darkage @ Jun 17th 2008 6:13PM

I hope the MGS4 emblems are related to trophies.

BBCorps @ Jun 17th 2008 8:23PM

oh that wuold be soooooo awesum!!!!

Mario @ Jun 17th 2008 6:18PM

All we can do is wait... I'm still playing MGS4 for the second time.

Caliber Stone @ Jun 17th 2008 6:24PM

The 2.40 firmware will be released during E3.....I think.......maybe.......it's a possibility.

Jerses @ Jun 17th 2008 7:00PM

Nah this is not the psp :P i think they will realease 2.36 because they didnt have 2.40 on time to realease it on june... in game xmb will come with final fantasy xiii... :P

sean @ Jun 17th 2008 7:01PM

that seems like a good idea. your probably right. its almost exatcly a month away.

GridloQ @ Jun 17th 2008 6:32PM

I can't wait to FINALLY check a message in-game. Oh LAWDY I'm excited.

Wait, I have no PSN friends.

Fail.

Jerses @ Jun 17th 2008 6:55PM

Do what every online player do...add every online id that you pwnd.

Kyle @ Jun 17th 2008 7:03PM

PSN ID: KROmphroy add me then.

B. Blabby @ Jun 17th 2008 7:03PM

Hey dude i can add you if you want. My PSN is Blackmage456. Anyone feel free to add me

CaliberStone @ Jun 17th 2008 7:08PM

PSN ID: CaliberStone

Ptrack_Git @ Jun 17th 2008 7:33PM

PSN ID: Ptrack_Git (duh)
MGO ID: Red Wolverine
"Avenge Meeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

E. Welch @ Jun 17th 2008 8:16PM

psn id: cromulence

SamuraiBubba @ Jun 17th 2008 9:28PM

PSN: SamuraiBubbba

Aaron @ Jun 17th 2008 11:05PM

You can add me too..

ustna

Vincent @ Jun 18th 2008 8:56AM

Dark_Vincent

add me guys :( I have no friends

Lorenzo @ Jun 19th 2008 1:35PM

PSN ID: Monetti

I just got a PS3 on June 12th. I'm still playing MGS4, but play some GTA IV multiplayer too. Add me.

wisconsinista @ Jun 17th 2008 6:35PM

I love how SONY is being such assholes about ingame xmb. The T-shirts they sported mocking our request was a bit much. Now they claim they and only they will be the source for the release date of it. Can't wait for the trophies to show in my home..oh wait. Why don't you guys try and sell us advertising while you're at it -or put the information in it first and really prove your douchebaggery.

Fraser JK @ Jun 17th 2008 6:38PM

Hell yeah!

Tim Parsons @ Jun 17th 2008 6:53PM

2.40 is a Long ways away face it people, We all know what'll happen, 2.36, 2.37, 2.38,2.39 then 2.40 so i'm guessing late fall Winter. There just making it sound like it'll happen soon

Espiox @ Jun 17th 2008 7:05PM

Wait, there are PSP and PS3 updates due something this week. New Remote Play functionality?

Wrathbringer @ Jun 17th 2008 7:10PM

I'll be excited about these features once I've downloaded and installed 2.40, up until then I'll treat it as an empty promise. Let's hope that Sony really delivers on this one.

Ptrack_Git @ Jun 17th 2008 7:19PM

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! You rail splitting sons of... oh well, lets get this 2.36 update and then I will go back to complaining about 2.4 not being here yet.
However, if there is a 2.39 the villagers will be assembling in the streets with pitchforks and torches... RE4 style... you have been warned Sony...

Fiddlesworth @ Jun 17th 2008 7:20PM

/sarcasm/ Yeah, because they've announced System Software features are coming soon so many times before and then failed to do so. //sarcasm//

Give me a break.

Dwag @ Jun 17th 2008 7:52PM

It will probably be released in July I'm glad Sony began responding to XBL in the right way.

Also lets hope they don't make easy Achievements like they did with NBA 2K6 on the 360.

I'll ask this again do Trophies Really hold up well to GS?

sinister_soul @ Jun 17th 2008 7:56PM

SONY JUS GET THIS JERSTASTIC 2.40 ON THA DAM ROAD ALREADY U BUNCHA BIG JESSIES!!

Nick @ Jun 17th 2008 7:58PM

2.4 was slated for July, anyway, so this isn't much of a surprise. I thought Sony was only going to release firmware updates quarterly starting this year, though. Oh well, I'm not complaining.

NX @ Jun 17th 2008 8:10PM

I just hope it makes Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 Playable........
Well, it does work, but it's so glitchy it's unplayable on a 80GB PS3.

Konchu @ Jun 17th 2008 8:26PM

I really look forward to XMB not sure on the trophies though. I really like the achievement concept but early on Sony was saying the "Trophies" would only be viewable when you were online (And in Home so things definitely are changing)and to me achievements are a profile thing that shows what games you played and how much and proof of achieving stuff in some cases. So I hope the have something akin to xbox.com that has these trophy's online tied to your account for friends etc to see whenever they like. Otherwise a hugh point of what trophies are is lost. However I really do hope they do what some were hinting to and that would be unlock able items tried to the trophies for use in Home and specific games(If it ever comes out).

Maybe this hints to Home also on the verge or maybe hints to them deciding to forget Home as it was supposed to be the home of trophies