Sony Computer Entertainment will offer the first software update for its forthcoming PlayStation 3 gaming console as soon as the devices go on sale. The free update will update the PlayStation 3 from version 1.0 to 1.1 of its built-in software, and add support for the PlayStation Network online service. PlayStation 3 owners—perhaps best described as "the lucky few" given the product shortages Sony is facing with the PlayStation 3 launch—can access the update from the PlayStation’s menus. The PlayStation 3 goes on sale in Japan on November 11 and in North America, Hong Kong, and Taiwan November 17. Supply constraints have forced Sony to postpone the launch of the PlayStation 3 in Europe until March, 2007.
Despite shortages and a recent price cut announced for the Japanese market, Sony has said it has no plans to reduce the price of the PlayStation 3 in the United States. According to Kaz Hirai, Sony Computer Entertainment’s president, there are no plans to back away from the PS3’s $499 and $599 U.S. prices. "We are very comfortable with the pricing we have announced and have gotten tremendous support from retailers for that price point," Hirai told Reuters. "So it is full steam ahead with the pricing of $499 and $599." Hirai also said the company still plans to ship 2 million PS3s by December 2006, and another 4 million units by March, 2007.
Sony also plans to release its 3.0 firmware update for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in late November, also adding support for the PlayStation Network online service, enabling the handheld devices to purchase and download PSP games and content, as well as wirelessly access material stored on PlayStation 3 consoles via a new "Remote Play" feature.
