Sony is slowly getting the PlayStation 3 ready for the new DualShock 3 controller. The controller isn’t out in Europe or the US until Spring 2008, but Sony will be adding support for the new controller in the next firmware update. Firmware 1.94 isn’t available to download yet, but Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction will include the firmware update, making it the first game to support DualShock 3.

Japan will be getting the new controller early, so those of you who can’t wait can import the controller. The release date for Firmware 1.94 has not been revealed yet, but look out for more details.

Details of the second patch to Warhawk have been revealed by Dylan Jobe, via the PlayStation.Blog. According to Jobe, the second patch is currently in the testing process and should be available to download soon. The main purpose of the patch is to address other bugs found by players, but to also add additional features recommended by the community.

Patch v1.2 includes:

• 5 New layouts
• Clan game server option
• Buddy slot reservations
• Integrated Warhawk Store
• Updated CTF capture/return behavior
• Internal stat padder protection
• Booster Pack status display at join game list
• DualShock3 integration
• Separate SIXAXIS motion control on/off per mode (ground, hover, flight)
• Detailed Player Score display at end of game fixed
• Added new server type filters (player, ranked, dedicated, clan, Official Warhawk, etc)
• Added new server full/open filter
• Fall damage exploit fixed
• Dismount into walls exploit fixed
• Invisible Tank, Turret & Warhawk exploit fixed
• Auto-kick of idle players
• Add to Favorites button added to end game screen
• Increased VOIP volume when not using headset

The new layouts are:

• Eucadia: High City
• Island Outpost: Standoff
• The Badlands: South City
• Destroyed Capitol: Garden Showdown
• Archipelago: Close Corridors

For more information, check our the official PlayStation.Blog entry below.

[Via: PlayStation.Blog]

The developers of Warhawk, Incognito, have been working hard to resolve several issues in the game. Gameplay Statistics was causing the most problems for players with delays in updates. Now, Incognito are ready to release an update that will solve many problems in the game, while improving other aspects. The update was announced via the PlayStation.Blog with a post from Dylan Jobe.

The patch in currently undergoing final testing and should be available to download near the end of October. In addition, a second patch is also in the works, however, details have not been mentioned.

Server-side updates

• Stat database stability improvements
• Improved server stability
• Max Clan limit changed from 32 to 64
• Viral Rank-up bug fixed and correct for players that were accidentally ranked up.
• “Time-in-Vehicle” Stats fixed so certain awards can now be granted properly.

Client-side updates for Patch v1.1

• Stat connection, fetch/post fixes
• Significantly improved client connection stability
• Quad “????” Ping display bug fixed.
• Added support for Player-Ranked Servers.
• Game synchronization fixes due to fluctuating network conditions (packet-drop).
• Crash fixes for end of game and split screen.

Sony has updated their PSP Media Manager PRO software to version 2.5. The new version of the software now supports Microsoft Windows Vista and adds some new functionality to the software. Best of all, if you purchased PSP Media Manager 2.00 and registered your software, you will receive a free upgrade to the new version.

New in Version 2.5

• Windows Vista support
• Backup of games downloaded from PLAYSTATION Store
• Audio shuffle and search
• FLAC format support

If you have registered PSP Media Manager 2.0, check your email to find your free upgrade serial number.

Looking forward to see what’s new on the PlayStation Store this week? Well, here is your weekly update. For the US, there are two new demos available and a number of new videos and wallpaper. The demo of Juiced 2 and Folklore is now available to download. As for Europe, several new PSOne titles have been added and a new demon.

Europe Update List:

• Playable Demo
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam
• PSOne Titles
• Crash Team Racing
• Everybody’s Golf 2
• Syphon Filter 3

US Update List:

• Playable Demos
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights
• Folklore
• Videos
• Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Tech Dive Video
• Burnout Paradise Steel Wheels Trailer
• Turok Dino Luring Trailer
• Devil May Cry 4 TGS Short Trailer

Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that it will be dropping the price of the 80GB PlayStation 3 by $100. This announcement comes shortly after SCEA officially announced the November 2nd launch date for the 40GB PS3 Model, which will not feature backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 games. The 80GB model will, however, retains BC via software software support.

Jack Tretton, SCEA CEO, stated:

“We’re pleased to offer the consumer a lower price point without sacrificing the core technology components that make PS3 the most advanced high-definition entertainment system available. Every PS3 comes with a Blu-ray drive, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine and a built-in hard-drive.”

Sony is planning a new firmware update for the PlayStation 3 that will increase Blu-Ray interactivity. The revelation came about from Don Eklund, Sony VP of advanced technologies, at the HDTV DisplaySearch conference in Universal City, California during a panel discussion about next-gen interactivity. The firmware is expected “soon”, but no exact date has been revealed.

The PlayStation Network store has been updated once again. For Europe, a lot of new content has been added including three new demos, the Speed Master add-on for Ninja Gaiden Sigma, and several videos and trailers. As for the US, they also received three new demos, a new downloadable game an lots of new videos and trailers.

Europe Update List

• Playable Demos
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
• FIFA 2008
• The Simpsons
• Game Add-ons
• Ninja Gaiden Sigma Speed Master (GBP 2.99)

US Update List

• Playable Demos
• Ratchet and Clank Future
• NHL 2K8
• Conan
• Full Games
• Everyday Shooter (USD 9.99)

With the release of the new 40GB PlayStation 3 model, SCEE has confirmed that the price cut on the 60GB model is to help phase out the model. As a result, once stocks on the 60GB model are depleted, only the 40GB model will remain. SCEE has stated that stocks for the 60GB model should be available until Christmas, but that depends on how quickly the model sells.

“We announced our reduced offering on the 60GB model last week. We re looking to sell our remaining 60GB stock, after which the 40GB model will be the only SKU available in Europe.

We anticipate that the 60GB stock should be available until Christmas, but of course it depends on how quickly it sells.”