PS3 Downloads and Firmware updates.

[Chunkee]

Got the fam a PS3 for Christmas. I do not want to jack it in on the biggest download day...how long do the downloads and firmware updates take? I am totally new to the PS3. I remember getting the 360 a couple of years ago and live did not work.

Thanks Jasper McNutt

 

[Queasy]

I don't think PSN will crash but if you want to go ahead and have the PS3 ready to go Christmas morning, I'd go ahead and download all the firmware updates AND go ahead and install any games that require installation prior to Christmas. That way they can just turn it on and enjoy.

 

[Chunkee]

I got MgS4, Little Big Planet and Heavenly Sword. I dont know about those games...do they require downloads?

Thanks Queasy

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
I got MgS4, Little Big Planet and Heavenly Sword. I dont know about those games...do they require downloads?

Thanks Queasy

MGS4 requires about an 8 minute install. Don't know if there is a patch.
LittleBigPlanet has some patches.
Heavenly Sword has a patch to support the DualShock.

 

[lupi]

firmware updates down via USB card are relatively painless. you still have to wait through the update period, but it pretty much takes away any d/l. Game patch d/l don't seem to be that noticeable compared to firmware d/l to me.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: lupi
firmware updates down via USB card are relatively painless. you still have to wait through the update period, but it pretty much takes away any d/l. Game patch d/l don't seem to be that noticeable compared to firmware d/l to me.

That would be my suggestion. I've had absolutely horrid luck trying to stay connected to the the update site from the console. The last couple have taken me over an hour to get the thing downloaded.

But if I go straight to the firmware download page and drop it to a memory card and install from that it's about a 15 minute process.

 

[Baked]

Updating your PS3 firmware is rather painless. But make sure you use a wired connection if you're doing it through the network. I don't see the point of using a flash drive to update the firmware since you'll need to update your games by going online anyway.

All three of the games you have require version update.

 

[Chunkee]

thanks for the input. I do have wired connection. So, you put the game in the machine, and then it tells you there is an update? What order? Firmware first? Games afterwards? Anything else?
New home thing?

JC

 

[lupi]

wired or wireless, the d/l time from a USB drive compared to over the net is like

xx

to


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Baked]

Download the firmware first above anything else. If you don't get prompted for an update, go to Settings > System Update > Update via Internet. For most game updates, the games will auto check for new version and prompt you. Home went open beta, so you should be able to see it under the PlayStation Network column.

Ps. Regarding Home connection. Because of high demands, you will get -603 error when you try to login. This is normal. Just try again

 

[blurredvision]

I think you should definitely update the system if possible before giving it as a gift on Christmas day. It'll be ready to rock with no anxious waiting needed. Heck, if you hooked it up early to update, you could even download quite a few demos and have them ready to play as well.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
I think you should definitely update the system if possible before giving it as a gift on Christmas day. It'll be ready to rock with no anxious waiting needed. Heck, if you hooked it up early to update, you could even download quite a few demos and have them ready to play as well.

:thumbsup:

If you can get the "Gran Turismo HD" (Not to be confused with GT5)demo still, that's definitely worth the download. It's a fun racing sim with slick graphics.

Plus I'd drop a couple bucks on Super Stardust and Pixel Junk Monsters.

 

[mmntech]

Originally posted by: vi edit

Originally posted by: blurredvision
I think you should definitely update the system if possible before giving it as a gift on Christmas day. It'll be ready to rock with no anxious waiting needed. Heck, if you hooked it up early to update, you could even download quite a few demos and have them ready to play as well.

:thumbsup:

If you can get the "Gran Turismo HD" (Not to be confused with GT5)demo still, that's definitely worth the download. It's a fun racing sim with slick graphics.

Plus I'd drop a couple bucks on Super Stardust and Pixel Junk Monsters.

Gran Turismo HD is just basically a slight upgrade to GT4 to run in HD, with slightly sharper graphics. GT5P smokes it at 1080p/60. Definitely pick up Wipeout HD though. Well worth the $19.99 entry fee. Full 1080p at 60fps and it looks amazing.

As for firmware, it will let you game without updating, it just won't let you connect to PSN. LittleBigPlanet of course requires a PSN connection. It might be worth it to do it in advance.