106w ago - Sony's VP of Network Entertainment Eric Lempel has announced today that an optional PS3 System Software update version 3.65 is now released.

In addition to containing new keys, the PlayStation 3 Firmware update simply improves the operating stability of some PS3 format software, and changes the XMB item SaveData Utility (Minis) to SaveData Utility (Minis/PSP).

Download: PS3 Firmware 3.65 Update (US) / PS3 Firmware 3.65 Update (EU)

To quote: Earlier tonight we released an optional system software update (v3.65) for PlayStation 3. This new firmware improves the operating stability of some PS3 format software, and changes the XMB item SaveData Utility (minis) to [SaveData Utility(minis/PSP)].

Again, this update is optional, and can be downloaded by selecting System Update from the Setting column of the XMB.

135w ago - We've seen the GT5 unboxing with some Gran Turismo 5 Signature Edition pictures, and today GamersMint.com (linked above) confirms via amar212 at GTPlanet.net that Gran Turismo 5 has an optional 40-minute 6.4GB PS3 HDD installation with the US game being reported as 19.4GB (20,882,698,502 bytes) with the EU version coming in at 13.72GB in size.

To quote: "The initial install size of Gran Turismo 5 on your PS3 HDD is going to be 6.4 GB. He also revealed that it takes about 40 minutes to install.

However, interestingly, he says that the game will continue to install and decompress data throughout the course of your playtime and the actual disk space taken by the game on your PS3 will be a lot more.

Kindly note that this installation is optional and you can play the game without doing this. It only requires 256 MB of your HDD if you decide against doing it but it's highly...

172w ago - According to Ve3tro.com, Final Fantasy XIII is confirmed to have an optional 18.3GB XBox 360 HDD installation for those curious.

To quote: "Just in case you've been planning to get Final Fantasy XIII on the 360, here's some info that will help you with playing the game on the console - the size of each discs' optional install.

The three of them sum up into 18.3GB, as you can see. I'd say the option of installing your games is one of the finest features the 360 offers, cutting load times and reducing disc scratches to a zero, since the DVD drive doesn't spin at all if the game is installed... and now that you know how much space each disc takes up, manage your HDD space accordingly."

191w ago - Even though Final Fantasy XIII was reported earlier today to require no PlayStation 3 HDD installation, Tekken 6 (available October 27 in North America) appears to have an optional 4GB PS3 install.

According to Tekken 6 game director Katsuhiro Hirada, the stages will be bigger and will have more interactivity- such as walls or floors that can be broken to reveal new fighting areas. The character customization feature has been enhanced, and will be more involved with the gameplay.

To quote: "Namco Bandai's Tekken 6 on PS3 features an optional 4GB install, which massively reduces loading times.

Without the install, matches can take around 15 seconds to load, while installed copies take just a couple of seconds to get you into the fighting.

While this will come as a nice bonus for players with a new Slim PS3, owners of older, lower capacity 'Fat' PS3's like the 40GB model may be stuck playing the waiting game if they're already struggling for space."

204w ago - I slapped the 'rumor' status on this one for now until others can confirm it... today TheSixthAxis.com (linked above) via CVG are claiming that Sony finally pushed the button marked "obligatory" on PS3 Firmware Update 2.80.

This comes after Sony's Director of Network Operations stated that with 2.8 it was an option to update as there wasn't any consumer-specific functionality.

According to both the US and EU Updaters, it still is showing only 2.76 is required to go online with the PS3, as follows:

Dest=84;CompatibleSystemSoftwareVersion=2.7600-;
Dest=85;CompatibleSystemSoftwareVersion=2.7600-;

If anyone can confirm otherwise, feel free to do so in the comments below!