151w ago - Today Examiner.com (linked above) reports that numerous users who opted to upgrade the PS3 HDD are now experiencing issues with the recently released PS3 Firmware 3.41 update.

It is not yet determined if these issues are related to the PS3 Firmware Patches Sony instituted beginning with PlayStation 3 Firmware update version 3.41, however, there is currently a lengthy thread on Sony's official board covering the issues.

To summarize, quoting from Examiner.com: "The problems being reported are the following: PS3 owners are unable to update their system to firmware 3.41, HDD upgrades aren't being allowed, systems are crashing, and after installing a new HDD the system isn't fully downloading the file and then prompts users with a message stating 'no applicable data found'."

156w ago - This weekend SKFU shared news of a research project that himself, iQD and a few others have began work on with the PS3 Blu-ray drive in order to, among other goals, run PlayStation 3 game backups from the PS3 HDD.

Getting Sony's PlayStation 3 entertainment system to function without a BDD was not a difficult challenge for them, however, many may recall previous attempts by MysticHades among others to examine PS3 hacks which allow running game backups from the hard disk drive.

Earlier this year, knightsolidus detailed the Blu-ray drive PS3 CXD4302GB Chip Test Points, and Spanish site Elotrolado reported on a PS3 exploit found to run PlayStation 3 backups along with a leaked Sony Disc Boot Game Patch Programming Guide.

Prior to that, PS3 developers examined several PS3...

157w ago - Recently we revealed a few new PS3 models uncovered through the FCC, and today CVG.com (linked above) reports that Sony plans to launch new PlayStation 3 SKUs that will include a 500GB HDD and come bundled with the Move Motion Controller.

The new PlayStation 3 bundles are also reported to include faster internal Wi-Fi cards, specifically 802.11n versus 802.11 b/g.

To quote: "Sony plans to release 500GB and 250GB versions of its slimline powerhouse bundled with the new motion controller later this year, according to our industry source in Los Angeles.

We were also told that the new PS3s will come with new faster internal Wi-Fi cards (802.11n, for those of you who know what that means). Current PS3s come with the slower 802.11 b/g standard Wi-Fi.

Basically, that means new PS3's connection to PSN and the Internet will be faster if you have an 802.11n-compatible router."

157w ago - At their E3 2010 conference today, along with Kinect Microsoft also revealed a new XBox 360 Slim redesign dubbed XBox 360 S with a propietary 250GB HDD and built-in 802.11n WiFi for $299.99.

This new Xbox 360 Slim Black Edition is 10 to 20 percent smaller than a regular Xbox 360, incapable of RRODing according to JoyStiq and confirms the leaked Italian advertisement in the video below.

It's also equipped with a smaller power supply, a dedicated connector for Microsoft's upcoming Kinect motion control system, and five USB ports.

Currently the XBox 360 Slim is available for pre-order from Play.com with the console hitting retailers in North America today.

XBox 360 Slim details include the following, with teardown pics available HERE:

• Smaller And Quieter
• Integrated CPU/GPU based on 45 nm fabrication process
• Internal...

161w ago - Today thegamersheep has shared a video via YouTube of ModNation Racers PS3 being unboxed, and the Examiner.com (linked above) has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 video game requires 3.2GB of free space for installation on the PS3 HDD.

The upcoming kart racing game in development by United Front Games for the PlayStation 3 (and PSP) is set for an official release on May 21st in Europe and May 25th of 2010 in North America.

To quote: "Coming packed with Sackboy character mod and LittleBigPlanet themed kart, ModNation is all about customization and player creation.

ModNation Racers PS3 will require 3.2 GB of HDD space. Considering the scope of the game, this really isn't that bad. With dozens of items, mods, and tools at your disposal, this installation is minor in size for this kind of title."

Those interested can check out the ModNation Racers PS3 unboxing pictures and video below!