PS3 to Get Optional 3.15 System Software Update

Eric Lempel, Director of PlayStation Network Operations, posted on the official PlayStation blog that the PS3 is nearly ready for an optional system software update.

Entitled v3.15, PS3 owners will get two key bits of functionality out of the update: data transfer from PS3 to PS3, and access to PSN “minis”.

Data transfer between PS3s means you’ll be able to bring not only music, pictures, and videos to a new PS3 (perhaps a brand new PS3 Slim), but you’ll also be able to transfer over games and game save data.

Check out the original blog post below, which even gives you the step-y-step process for transferring data in the bulleted section.

Blog Post:

Hi everyone, PlayStation 3 (PS3) will receive its next system software update shortly – v. 3.15. This is an optional update, and it enables existing PS3 owners who purchase a new PS3 system (perhaps as a second unit for the household) to transfer their content from their current PS3 to the new system. Content such as games, game save data, and videos downloaded from PlayStation Network can be transferred to the new PS3 system and deleted from the current PS3 system. Other content, including personal media files (photos, music, videos), can be copied onto the new PS3 and remain on the current PS3 system.

Here’s a quick primer on how the Data Transfer Utility works.

Data Transfer Utility

• Turn both the current PS3 (A) and new PS3 (B) on and connect them with a LAN cable; PS3 (A) should be connected to the TV. Please note, firmware (v3.15) must be installed on both systems.
• On the XMB of PS3 (A), scroll to the Settings category and select [System Settings] and then [Data Transfer Utility]
• Follow the instructions on-screen and transfer data
• After transferring the data, follow the instructions on-screen, and then connect PS3 (B) to the TV to view the XMB
• If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate PS3 (B) before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select (PlayStation Network) > (Account Management) > (System Activation) to activate the system.

“minis”

The 3.15 update also enables “minis” to be played on a PS3 system. As we’ve reported here before, “minis” launched on PlayStation Network this fall in conjunction with the launch of PSPgo. These bite-sized games offer a more casual experience and are ideal for shorter gameplay sessions. Now PS3 owners will be able to play “minis,” and those who own both a PS3 and PSP system will be able to play on either platform. “minis” for the PS3 system will be available for download on PlayStation Store in the coming weeks. If you’ve purchased any “minis” already for your PSP and the title becomes available for PS3, you’ll simply need to download the title to your PS3.

As always, we look forward to your feedback.