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Never have we had such packed firmware updates being released simultaneously on both Sony systems, but the 2.50 and 5.00 updates for the PS3 and PSP respectively are just that.

The most interesting features of the PS3 update include the ability to take a screenshot at any point, and save this to the hard-drive instantly. Hopefully this will be implemented well, but most probably you’ll need to press the home button and select the screenshot option from the XMB. Other additions include support for the all-new Bluetooth headset, and a much appreciated power save feature that lets you set the DualShock 3 to switch itself off if left alone.

The PSP also has some major advancements this time round, with a full on screen keyboard, akin to the one found on the PS3, available when surfing the net and typing. But the biggest advancement that the firmware update features is a PSP Playstation Store. Only available through a PC or the PS3 up to this point, this will make the PSP even more download centric, which is set to be the future for the handheld anyway.

Full details of the firmware update scan be found after the jump, but be sure to know that once these updates are released, a Sony console owner needs to take notice-it’s unlikely we’ll get advancements this big for a while.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., October 13, 2008

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced details of the next PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) and PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system software updates, adding new features to both platforms to benefit consumers. PS3 firmware update (v. 2.50) will include the implementation of advanced voice chat features for the PS3 Official Bluetooth® Headset, the ability to capture screenshots in-game with supporting titles in the future, and enhancements to make the PlayStation Trophy interface more intuitive. PSP firmware update (v. 5.00) will add direct access to PlayStation®Store on PSP, enabling consumers to browse the store and download games whenever they’re at a Wi-Fi hotspot. Both system software updates will be released this month.

“These firmware updates keep both PS3 and PSP in lockstep with consumer expectations for gaming and entertainment, particularly the ability to download PSP games on-the-go, which is a functionality we know consumers can’t wait to get their hands on,” said Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing and PlayStation®Network, SCEA. “As we approach our second anniversary with PLAYSTATION 3, it’s remarkable to look back at how much the system has evolved and improved, including its critical link to PSP that effectively extends these entertainment capabilities beyond the home.”

PLAYSTATION 3 Firmware 2.50 Update

Building upon the foundation set by previous firmware upgrades, the 2.50 system software update will refine existing features while also adding new functionality. The update will deliver exclusive options to support SCEA’s Official Bluetooth Headset, as previously announced, such as an on-screen indicator that shows volume, battery charge, and mute functions, as well as a High Quality (HQ) mode, which utilizes advanced wireless technologies and the Headset’s dual-microphone design to enable clear and wide-band wireless voice communication with PS3 system. HQ mode greatly improves the voice chat experience in multiplayer titles such as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, which will be bundled with the Headset when it launches at retail this week.

To further strengthen the gameplay experience on PS3 system, the firmware update will add an in-game screenshot capture tool, laying the groundwork for developers to add capture and sharing options to their games and allowing players to immortalize their favorite gaming moments and share them with friends. Titles that support the feature are expected to be announced in the future.

The 2.50 update also will enhance the user interface for PlayStation Trophies. When players acquire a Trophy, the in-game notification will now include the specific Trophy icon created by the developer, while more intuitive options for comparing Trophies with friends have been added, including an icon to represent the Trophy level. The Trophy system will continue to expand through future firmware updates, catering to the PS3 community and the competitive nature of the more than 12 million registered PlayStation Network users worldwide.

Other new features delivered through PS3 firmware 2.50 will include:

• Video – A video scene search functionality will provide thumbnails to help you find a particular scene in a video more easily.
• Information Board – The Information Board will be able to include direct links to PlayStation Store, making it easier for PS3 owners to download content that they read about on the Information Board.
• Power save – PS3 owners will have the option to automatically shut-off their console or controllers after pre-selected periods of inactivity.

PSP Firmware 5.00 Update

As demonstrated at the Tokyo Game Show last week, the PSP firmware 5.00 update will add direct PlayStation Store access to the system, eliminating the need for PSP to be connected to a PC or PS3 to download content. PSP owners will be able to download games, demos, trailers, and other game-related content anytime and anywhere that their PSP system is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. This functionality delivers on the portable promise of PSP, making the device even more compelling for gaming and entertainment on-the-go.

Additional enhancements delivered through PSP firmware 5.00 will include:

• On-screen keyboard – A full-size, QWERTY on-screen keyboard will be added to make text entry during Web browsing easier and more convenient.
• Sleep timer – During music playback, a sleep timer will enable users to shut off their PSP system after a specified amount of time.
• Video-out – The PSP-2000’s video-out feature will be able to display classic PlayStation® format titles at the full-screen size of the TV that the PSP is connected to; the feature also will support interlace displays.