PS3 firmware update 4.11 today

By Robert Purchese Published 16 February, 2012

"Minor" improvements probably unrelated to children.

miner

Miner improvements.

A mandatory firmware update rolls out today for PlayStation 3, Sony has announced.

This will take system software to version 4.11.

Sony part-explained: "This minor firmware improves certain aspects of system software."

This may relate to PS Vita, which launches on 22nd February. Please let us know if you notice what has changed.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds. @Clert on Twitter.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (85) Latest comment 3 months ago

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  • Laraman #1 3 months ago

    Some people were having problems with some stuff after updating to 4.10 so it's probably to fix those problems. Nothing unusual then :p.

  • levitate #2 3 months ago

    That picture is pure win.

  • Colin8703 #3 3 months ago

    Happy to be proved wrong but wasn't 4.10 released last week? I do enjoy my PS3 but having to download an update nearly every time I boot up the console is getting tiresome.

    I bought Resistance 3 just after Christmas and it was an hour and a half before I could play it.

    PS update followed by 3 massive title updates and then a compulsory install. This is the reason I'm more likely to play my Xbox.

    I wouldn't mind if the update system was more streamlined and quick like Xbox but it isn't.

  • anthonypappa #4 3 months ago

    that's sweat and dirt, that is.

  • nickthegun #5 3 months ago

    The fact that they only have the old versions on the PS store also is also utterly infuriating. Redownloaded a few games recently for a quick blast and had to apply a shitload of updates to every one of them.

    Bodes well for the Vita.

  • daft_punk_909 #6 3 months ago

    Have Sony ever commented on these updates?
    Have they apologised or said they will improve them?
    It feels like a journalist really needs to grill them and see what they say. They surely can't understand how frustrating it is for the user base. If Microsoft mange it (I don't own an XBox so can't comment), it's insane that Sony can't.

  • Eldritch #7 3 months ago

    Reminds me of the difference between Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

  • Rogueywon #8 3 months ago

    Agree with the comments above on how annoying the frequent and lengthy PS3 firmware updates are. One of the big advantages of console gaming, compared with its PC equivalent, has historically been the "turn on the machine, stick in the disk and play" mentality.

    We've seen a real shift away from that this generation (on all three consoles, but the PS3 is by far the worst example) and it doesn't strike me as a good thing.

  • Miths #9 3 months ago

    Unless you only turn on your PS3 once a month it's hardly the end of the world. A firmware update takes around 6-7 minutes for me (actually I'm not even sure it was that much when I tried timing it a while back), 1-2 minutes of which are the download, the rest installation.

  • TheEarlOfZinger #10 3 months ago

    Another one...jesus...

  • bradgrenz #11 3 months ago

    They were actually explicit about this being an optional update in the US. You can stay on 4.10 and still connect to PSN. Not sure why the Euro blog is describing the update as mandatory.
    Edited by bradgrenz at 16/02/12 @ 11:25

  • StuDevo #12 3 months ago

    @daft_punk_909 I remember reading a sony rep talking about how they have learned a lesson so the Vita will have a much more streamlined update system, but I guess time will tell. And yeah as a PS360 owner you are right about MS having a way better updating method.

  • Kaminari #13 3 months ago

    I don't hear people complaining when Microsoft release dozens of stability fixes and security updates via Windows Update every week.

  • menschenfracht #14 3 months ago

    @bradgrenz Here in Russia (which is part of the EU store) it is mandatory.

  • BBIAJ #15 3 months ago

    They've made the web browser even shitter, it's now incredibly slow and laggy.

  • matt.ledger #16 3 months ago

    Was hoping this would fix the issues people are experiencing with PS+ but no luck :(

  • Yuroko #17 3 months ago

    The constant updates is the one thing I really hate about the PS3.

    I got a pre owned PS3 a few years back and it literally took me 2 hours to update the thing and install MGS4. Then the game patches take forever when it only takes 30 seconds on the same game on the 360.

    To be honest I dread turning the PS3 on nowadays because I know I've usually got a ten minute wait between turning the thing on and actually playing a game.

  • MerricK #18 3 months ago

    @Kaminari trolololololololol

  • ShiftyGeezer #19 3 months ago

    @Kaminari : If PS3 background-downloaded small patches instead of requiring full system updates interrupting use, there'd be no complaints levied at Sony either.

  • nickthegun #20 3 months ago

    "I don't hear people complaining when Microsoft release dozens of stability fixes and security updates via Windows Update every week."

    That's because they don't. Windows updates are released once per month.
    And, generally, you are allowed to continue to look at porn and type word documents if you choose not to update.

    And then continue looking at porn through the update.

    At no point does it stop you looking at porn.

  • mss99 #21 3 months ago

    Just use your console more often then you won't have as many updates to install. Simple :)

  • sonicyoda #22 3 months ago

    Hopefully it stops the PS2 games crashing all the time.

  • ROCK-NYC #23 3 months ago

    @Colin8703 PSN Plus will do all updates while you are sleep...

  • EMarkM #24 3 months ago

    TUNGSTEN CARBIDE DRILLS??!!??

  • woodyrulesok #25 3 months ago

    I bit the bullet and got PS+, haven't had to download a system or game patch for ages as it sorts itself out when I'm asleep.

    If they are aware of lengthy updates they should make that a standard feature for everyone for free.

  • Darren #26 3 months ago

    This firmware is likely the usual "ooops, silly us, we found a bug we missed" update that usually follows every major update.

  • Darren #27 3 months ago

    @Yuroko - Subscribing to PSN Plus is one way to ease the tedium of downloading updates, including the firmwares. Game patches are automatic but firmwares still require manual installation as the PS3 only downloads them, it doesn't automatically install them. Given that firmware updates of any kind carry a small risk of something going wrong then that's probably a good thing.

    This PSN+ only feature though is something that should be available for every PS3 owners, not just for those who pay a subscription. Still, it is nice to turn on my PS3 and see a list of games that have been updated like Uncharted 3 and Gran Turismo 5 were last night when I turned my console on.

  • cianchristopher #28 3 months ago

    So, if one were to buy a PS3 and a couple of games today - would one have to take a few days off work to sit at home and download update after update after update until it's all up-to-date?

  • Colin8703 #29 3 months ago

    @ROCK-NYC I must admit that I did not know that but to be honest, it would be nice if the console updated that way anyhow.

    I think I also get a bit peeved at the way the games update as well. I'm a married man so my gaming time is already limited and I suppose that's why I lean more to my Xbox because I know I can literally get straight on a game and if there is a patch, it takes seconds.

    I'm all about the games so please don't think me bias, I just think if these niggles could be ironed out without fuss, then we can get on with playing the games.

  • collateral89 #30 3 months ago

    At least it shows there taking note which is a good thing

  • rockin_rob_1 #31 3 months ago

    These firmware updates are a nightmare for me. My internet connection isn't the fastest (3mb download speed when tested on my PC) but for some reason whenever I download anything on my PS3 it takes absolutely ages. Say for a 900mb game it'd mean leaving it overnight and then some. My PSP on the other hand is much much faster- more akin to the download speeds I have on my computer. Does anyone else have this problem?

  • el_pollo_diablo #32 3 months ago

    I'm looking forward to 4.15 - "mutual combat"

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Penal_Code

  • abigsmurf #33 3 months ago

    Another minor iteration that'll mean it'll be 45 minutes waiting after I put the disc in when I next buy a game? Awesome!
    Edited by abigsmurf at 16/02/12 @ 12:21

  • cheeky-sod #34 3 months ago

    Whys it take like 10-15 minutes to friggin update.

  • Acquiescence #35 3 months ago

    The best thing about that picture is the miner who's holding his shovel like an electric guitar, probably air-soloing in the process so that he can look like a fuckin' boss for the camera.

  • Yuroko #36 3 months ago

    @rockin_rob_1
    You on wifi or Ethernet. I found the ps3 is painfully slow on wifi, much better wired but still not as quick as the 360.

    @Darren
    That function should definitely be free to all, it sounds handy.

  • BBIAJ #37 3 months ago

    Oh look, negged for telling the truth, SDF twats.

  • MasonMk #38 3 months ago

    The search in the web browser loaded up all japanese releated results in 4.10, but is back to english now in 4.11. One thing that has been fixed anyway

  • Golgo #39 3 months ago

    The last firmware update was comedy. Fixed the clock, so that it could be set to automatic update without actually getting the time wrong. Only took, what, 5/6 years? I wonder what treats are in store today...

  • anthonypappa #40 3 months ago

    updating isn't that bad, certainly nothing to get menstrual about.

    i go to play a game, and if an update is required i start it and go sort something else out in the meanwhile. no biggie.

  • CloisterBlack #41 3 months ago

    Puntastic

  • layleeloo #42 3 months ago

    @mss99 "Just use your console more often then you won't have as many updates to install. Simple"

    HAHAHAHAH. What planet are you on? You will have EXACTLY THE SAME amount of installs to do whether you turn you machine on oncea week or once a yesr - the only difference is time in one go or time spread. The number of updates will be is the same regardles of frequency :p

  • mr_bez #43 3 months ago

    If Sony actually gave some even half decent patch notes, I'm sure less people would be annoyed by the frequency of updates. As it is, "You have to install this but we won't tell you what is for" is just irritating.

  • rockin_rob_1 #44 3 months ago

    @Yuroko I've tried both, it did seem very slightly faster wired but since we got a replacement router the PS3 refused to connect wired so I'm forced to use wifi. Wondering if there's something wrong with the hardware...

  • kingcrowbar #45 3 months ago

    Is there a magic hour that these updates tend to be released. I have my PS+ auto update time set to 2am (CET) and it rarely catches them before I end up turning on the console and have to do the update manually the next day.

  • cianchristopher #46 3 months ago

    Update 4.12 is the one I'm really psyched for.

  • -cerberus- #47 3 months ago

    "I am afraid minors cannot go onto the casino floor."
    - "I'm not a miner, dumbass! Do you see a shovel in my hand?!"
    (Eric Cartman - South Park EP707: Red Man's Greed)

  • makeamazing #48 3 months ago

    I dont know what the big issue is... every other week Windows is downloading 100's MBs of security patches and fixes (ok its in the background) but it still slows my machine down for a while. It really is only a very minor inconvenience.

    +plus has automatic downloading doesnt it? they should probably have that as a global option.

  • 00.00.01 #49 3 months ago

    @rockin_rob_1
    Same here mate, ever since the 2011 PSN debacle the DL speeds have dropped dramatically, and this is from the PSN side. Before all that I downloaded at 1.5 Mb per second. Am on ethernet btw.

  • SEVQA #50 3 months ago

    I hope this update resolves the issues i've experienced with 4.10 update with over 10 system crashes, non reading of certain game discs and the browser seeming crippled especially when attempting to stream video content and/or on pages that are java heavy.

    I really do hope this fixes it as the last update was/is killing my console!!!

  • jefranklin18 #51 3 months ago

    @rockin_rob_1
    I had speed issues as well (a long time ago now) and after a call to the support line, I am pretty sure they recommended disabling UPnP if you have it enabled.

    Would suggest you call them anyway as there may be something specific to your set up that they can help with.

  • chiptoon #52 3 months ago

    goddamit I just updated yesterday evening. Bandwidth isn't cheap Sony!

  • Huxamalay #53 3 months ago

    Hope they have fixed the PS1 game copy function the to PSP. Fucking annoying that I have to re-download games that are already on my PS3 (cos on the PSP it takes forever)

  • BBIAJ #54 3 months ago

    Honestly, has anyone that is negging me here actually used the browser since the update?

    Yes, it is supposed to be compatible with more websites now, but at the expense of being beyond broken.

    Go on, just try it, rather than clicking neg neg neg all the time...

    Saying that, neg away, at least I know I'm talking from experience here.

  • vizzini #55 3 months ago

    @rockin_rob_1

    You probably need to use less secure wireless options with your router to improve wifi throughput or ideally buy powerline adapters and use the PS3's gigabit Ethernet port.

    I noticed this the other day on my original 60GB ps3 in the other room with downloads on my 50Mbit/s connection, I was getting about 300KB/s (for 1.2gb download) rather than typical 3 or 4MB/s that the slim gets with 100% signal strength. Switching the 60GB from a ~65% strength wifi connection to gigabit instantly fixed the the problem.

  • vizzini #56 3 months ago

    The update also appears to fix a browser issue I was having.

    When they updated to 4.1 the browser could lock up the system if you tried moving from the default Sony homepage while it was loading(to something like gamesindustry.biz).

    Still no improvement to youtube quality though, other than it supresses telling you it 240p(iirc).

  • Sponz #57 3 months ago

    Why all the comments about Windows Update?

    Microsoft issue security updates and hotfixes just once a month. They are rarely more than a few megabytes (unless you do a fresh install of the OS) and they certainly dont number in the "Dozens" or equal "Hundreds of Megabytes."

    We're talking the PS3 here. I havent switched my PS3 on for over 2 years, I think its on v3.1.something, just prior to when they removed the "Install other OS" feature. I may as well sell the bastard, I never use it.

  • alcides #58 3 months ago

    a hearty laugh at that.

  • TheNonk #59 3 months ago

    With PS+ my PS3 updates itself and any games overnight. Yes, you're paying for it but it's the smoothest experience I've ever had in any device or platform.

  • oupe #60 3 months ago

    @Miths While a relaxed attitude is probably better in the grand scheme of things, these frequent updates are NOT a very good thing. If your console needs updates more often than a Windows 200x Server product (which can run pretty critical stuff), something is wrong.

    In business to business IT, these frequent updates are frowned upon and companies are forced to manage these kinds of processes. It's weird that consumers have to deal with this and it makes Sony's dedication to deliver the best console experience questionable.

  • Markusdragon #61 3 months ago

    PSPlus only solves the tedium if you don't use the system between the release of the Firmware and whatever time in the middle of the night you've set the system to automatically update itself, though.

  • iamtheoneneo #62 3 months ago

    oh goody! not another update to greet me when I next turn the ps3 on. updates are fine but not when they download at 0000.00001mb/s bc Sony somehow cant comprehend that their servers that the ps3 connects to needs to be ya know ---- FAST.
    Edited by iamtheoneneo at 16/02/12 @ 15:17

  • sonicyoda #63 3 months ago

    @EMarkM Python love :) x

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQDeU6dHX-c
    Edited by sonicyoda at 16/02/12 @ 21:57

  • consoledelight #64 3 months ago

    i daren't put my Gran Turismo online as i know the update is over 6gb. It might be worth it, but ill be playing on my ps4 by the time its finished.

    It'll still be quicker than the yakuza 4 install time though.:-P

  • super_monty #65 3 months ago

    Don't see what the problem is it took about 5 mins, and if you have seen this article just put your ps3 on 5 mins before you play.

  • Ryze #66 3 months ago

    Yeah, the web browser was fucked on some sites after 4.10, so this is welcome.

    Neg away.

  • RGDfleet #67 3 months ago

    I'm terrified to do this update....when I did update 4.10, my PS3 got YLOD! Fixed it myself...but I don't want it to happen again :o :'(!!!

  • solidSnake04 #68 3 months ago

    lol whats with the pictures today ?

  • Ryze #69 3 months ago

    :D

  • Graveland #70 3 months ago

    I love seeing really old photos. I enjoy savouring the thought that the people in them are dead and I am alive. It's the same when I look at people. It makes me smirk to think that in 100 years or so they are likely to be decaying cadavers. Right, time to pull the wings off some crickets and feed them to my cat.

  • GFox #71 3 months ago

    @iamtheoneneo

    Don't know why you're getting disagrees, I'm sick of turning on my PS3 every week to be greeted by a pointless update that takes 20 minutes.

    Wish we could go back to the days of no fuckin internet so they would have to release games and console that actually work without the need to be patched 100 times

  • andyk #72 3 months ago

    @Golgo
    Internet clock +1

  • Lucodeath #73 3 months ago

    Id love a decent YouTube and browser, as for the slow updating I put it on auto shut down and leave it with the tv off.

  • IvorB #74 3 months ago

    @GFox
    You know you have the option to not connect your console to the internet right? You can still play your games.

    People really need to sort out their internet connections if these updates are taking more than five minutes. I'm reading some guy saying 45 mins up their. For real? Your PS 3 is not the problem here buddy, your ISP is.

    Also why are people blaming Sony for game updates? Surely you should be complaining to the publishers to ship finished games.

  • meepmeep #75 3 months ago

    Is the epilepsy warning a new thing?

  • SeesThroughAll #76 3 months ago

    @Yuroko
    I got a pre owned PS3 a few years back and it literally took me 2 hours to update the thing and install MGS4. Then the game patches take forever when it only takes 30 seconds on the same game on the 360.
    Somehow, I have trouble believing what you just said...
    Edited by SeesThroughAll at 17/02/12 @ 07:25

  • JesseDeya #77 3 months ago

    Lots of clueless hate going on here.

    PS3 switched to incremental updates ages ago, gone are the days of having to download 100-150mb per firmware update, if you update it through the PS3 it will be a fraction of that size.

    For people who's PSN seems to be running slow - could be wifi, not the greatest reception on the PS3 Phatty. Failing that, download firmware on your PC, place on USB, update, done.

    Finally, to those complaining you have to wait ages for updates before you can play...

    A) I'm assuming you've never complained about a game being buggy or needing a patch then right? Thats why we get game patches and firmware updates. Can't make a cake without breaking a few eggs my friends.

    Would you prefer no patches and your games to remain buggy, unbalanced or broken? If so...

    B) There is nothing forcing you to get an update, you can cancel either a game update or a firmware update and the game will still run (with no waiting around), just you possibly won't be online until you chose to update.

    Alternatively...

    C) Buy PS+, all this is done for you overnight and you get a metric shit tonne of free and discounted stuff throughout the year.

  • walidb123 #78 3 months ago

    @Colin8703 EVERY time? that's a big exaggeration bro.

  • Yuroko #79 3 months ago

    @SeesThroughAll Sorry, I should have been clearer. I meant game patches for multiplatform games in general take ages on PS3 compared to 360.

    I should have pressed return after I typed MGS4.

  • Chuxfm #80 3 months ago

    And they chose not to announce this at E3?

  • kennyraymartin #81 3 months ago

    Sick sick sick of these updates. we just frigging did this last week! everyone on ANY Face Book Sony page or COD page or Black Ops page should be notified the morning of any updates. some fool runs the page can tell all the members that an update is coming. just so's i dont wait until everyone in the house is asleep and turn the deck on at midnight only to have to wait an hour while my system "Updates" yet again with some stupid business about Trophies!! what the hell are we all? twelve? i could give a rats ass about Trophies!!! or Vita!! what the hell is Vita anyway? a handheld device? aren't there enough handheld devices out there already? we needed ANOTHER one? Sheesh!! boy that felt good

  • atrox80 #82 3 months ago

    The firmware update 4.11 made surfing to movie sites (renting & buying) horrible. It freakin' sucks now! The browser doesn't support sites such as Headweb or alike.

    Fuck Sony and their BS FW updates - they can shove em' where the sun don't shine...

  • atrox80 #83 3 months ago

    @BBIAJ

    I hear ya bro - I fully agree!

  • atrox80 #84 3 months ago

    @BBIAJ

    I gave you plus for saying the truth - I'm in the same boat - the web browser turned to shit with the last update

  • atrox80 #85 3 months ago

    @BBIAJ

    Same here - the browser went from more or less ok, to total shitfest...

    You got plus from me bro.