Yesterday, both the Japanese and North American PlayStation Network Stores were updated with content, and today the European PSN Store is finally updated. The additions include the Ninja Gaiden Sigma Demo, three new games, and two blu-ray movie trailers. The new games include Super Stardust HD, Championship Sprint and Gauntlet II. See below for a full list of additions:

Games:

• Ninja Gaiden Sigma (Demo)
• Super Stardust HD
• Championship Sprint
• Gauntlet II

Video:

• Superman Returns (Blu-Ray Trailer)
• Full Metal Jacket (Blu-Ray Trailer)
• Paul Hollywood Interview

In light of the recent Illuminati Exploit and 3.50 downgrader, Sony have released a patch in the form of Firmware 3.51 for the PSP. The patch removes the exploit from the System Software preventing the execution of homebrew as well as downgrading to firmware 1.50. The Japanese PlayStation website has already been updated with the update, but the US and European websites are yet to be updated.

Changelog (tanslated from Japanese Website):

Security:

• A patch has been added that addresses a security vulnerability in the system software.

Internet:

• You can now connect to Remote Play via the Internet
• [Communication Settings] has been added to the Remote Play Menu
• [The RSS Channel Guide] has been added to the RSS Channel

[Via: PlayStation Japan]

Sony seems to be updating the Japanese PlayStation Store more that any other region. This time, Japan get 19 new PS1 titles playable on the PSP and PS3, with the US and Europe lagging behind with only a handful of PS1 titles in total. In fact, the European PSN Store received its first PS1 titles eariler this month. It seems the European PSN Store is the least updated, receiving no updates this week. See below for the list of new titles to hit Japan.

• AI Mah Jong Selection (hamster)
• DEPTH (Sony computer Entertainment)
• Gussun Paradise (IREM software)
• Jet Moto (Sony computer Entertainment)
• Jumping Flash! 2 (Sony computer Entertainment)
• Major Wave Series: Puzzle Mania 2 (hamsters)
• Major Wave Series: Zipangu Jima: Unmei wa Saikoro ga Kimeru!? (Hamsters)
• Metal Slug (SNK Playmore)
• Oasis Road (Idea Factory)
• Panekit (Sony computer Entertainment)
• Samurai Spirits III: Zankuro Musouken (SNK Playmore)
• Samurai Spirits IV: Amakusa Kourin Special (SNK Playmore)
• Spectral Tower 2 (Idea Factory)
• SuperLite 1500 Series Cotton original (Success)
• SuperLite 1500 Series Sanvein (Success)
• The King OF Fighters ’98 (SNK Playmore)
• The King OF Fighters ’99 (SNK Playmore)
• The King OF Fighters Kyo (SNK Playmore)
• XI [sai] (Sony computer Entertainment)

The US store did get an update as well, however, no new PS1 titles.

Firmware 1.82 is now available to download for the PlayStation 3. The update enables the playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) files, as detailed by PlayStation Network Operations Director Eric Lampel. You can update your console using the Network Update feature via the Network Settings on by using a External Storage Media.

The regional websites have not been updated so far but logging on to your PS3 should inform you of the update, providing you are connected to the Internet.

Insomniac is finally ready to release the much anticipated update to Resistance: Fall of Man. The update has been pushed back multiple times. And for the past few weeks, a release date hasn’t been disclosed, until now that is. Insomniac made an in-game announcement regarding the world wide update, but only to European owners.

The announcement states: “The UK servers will have a downtime period that will begin at 2:30am (UK time) and will last throughout the day on June 29th. Furthermore, the worldwide servers and map packs will then be available when the server is back online.”

Insomniac has yet to announce details of the map pack and worldwide online play update for other territories.

The latest version of PSM magazine has revealed some details on what the expectations of the next big firmware update for the ps3 will consist of. According to the magazine, Firmware 2.00 will include XMB access from in-game, an equalizer for the Music Player, multiple chat sessions and more. So far, Sony have only commented on Firmware 1.82, expected within the next few days, so this could easily fall under the rumors category.

Check out the breakdown of the features of Firmware 2.00 below:

Music:

• Equalizer
• More visualizations

Network:

• RSS

General:

• More screensavers
• XMB access during the play
• Multiple chat sessions
• Password Protected Local login

In this month issue of PSM in France, there have been details in reference to the new PS3 controller. Of course, none of this has been confirmed by Sony so it could easily fall into the rumour catagory. According to the article, the new shock technology is cheaper to build and offers better rumbling. It can easily be integrated into the existing pad design along side the motion sensitivity. In addition to vibration, a new technology known as “Touchsense” will be included.

“Touchsense2 is a mini-revolution, since the vibrations will not emanate solely any more from the handles of the pad (as on Dualshock) but will be perceptible in various places of the controller. It will offer more powerful, more intense shocks and over short periods if the programmers wish it. Thus, the developers will be able to create a multitude of new effects.

According to the Official PlayStation Blog, Firmware 1.82 is in the works and is expected within the next few days. Eric Lempel, Director of PlayStation Network Operations made the announcement in a blog post. The new firmware update enables the playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) files. Check out the official blog post below.

“Hey everyone, you told us you wanted to hear about updates a few days in advance, so here’s a quick heads up that we have a PS3 firmware update in the works. Scheduled for release in the next few days, firmware 1.82 is an update that enables the playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) files. As most of you know, these are high quality files that you’ll now be able to play on your PS3. Hopefully this update is moving us closer to the audio playback features many of you commented about in my post the other week. We’re continuing to evaluate and improve things across the board, including PS2 software compatibility. I’ll chime in here quickly with an update once the firmware is live and ready. Thanks for all of your support and feedback, keep it coming!”

[Via: PlayStation.Blog]