BlogAllAlong » Consoles

PS3 V3.01 Slowness Fix

Bashar — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:59:43 +0000

If you’ve updated your PS3 to the latest V3.01 and are facing some problems in performance, this simple fix might help. Note that I immediately updated to 3.01 passing 3.0. I suffered from slow game response for several games like Ghostbusters even at 480p, and Uncharted 2, while other won’t run at all like X-Men demo. FIFA 10 was running fine though. The main PS3 menu was also so slow in showing the icons. So see if this helps.

Backup all your important data. For me, this was just the save games and I could manually transfer them to a USB stick. Note that PS & PS2 game saves may not backup automatically through the Backup utility, so if it’s just saved games for you, you may wanna do manual backup
Make sure you followed Step 1 and have all valuable data backed up.
From PS3 menu go to Settings -> System Settings -> Format Utility -> Format Hard Disk -> Full Format.

NOTE: This may take few hours, and I haven’t tried Quick Format. So if you wanna try it first, please do so and let me know how it goes.
Do the first time PS3 settings.

That should be it. For me, now the PS3 menu works quite fast, and I’m enjoying Uncharted 2 now.

Good luck!

Lawsuit against Sony PS3 v3.00 firmware update

Bashar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:39:03 +0000

You would think things are supposed to get at least better with newer updates and upgrades, but a quick look at reality tells you, you’re wrong! Vista is the successor of Win 95 in it’s disastrous results, and is being phased out with a new fancier Windows 7 named one. Snow Leopard with all the hype is yet to amuse me once, and last time I updated to latest PS3 v3.01 the totally unexpected happen.

All of a sudden I noticed short trailers I downloaded are not playing smoothly, and they pause for a second or so every now and then. Playing some simple games as well like Wall-E, the game was flickering a lot that you can’t focus. (Note: Wall-E game is my punishment for getting my kid into PIXAR world)

Now it seems that’s not only me, but a whole group are filing a lawsuit against Sony for their latest firmware update which apparently is damaging some PS3 units, costing $150 to repair! So I guess I should be thankful, and perhaps slow down on PS3 usage until a newer fix comes in. The funny thing is, the lawsuit is coming from v3.00 and Sony claims it’s v3.01 fixes most issues, while I never had the chance to try v3.00 as I installed v3.01 directly, and yet I’m able to get these problems.

Guess I was lucky not to turn on my PS3 so often lately. I should do that more often. Ohh wait, I didn’t buy my PS3 as a souvenir!

PS3 120 GB Slim Officially Released for $299

Bashar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:19:37 +0000

Today is the official release of the new slimmer PS3 120 GB Blu-Ray player, which can also play some awesome video games. At the cost of $299.99, I really find it a smart buy.

Top 10 Anticipated PS3 Games

Bashar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:34:54 +0000

I got this list of upcoming PS3 games from Amazon.

Top 10 Anticipated PlayStation 3 Games

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″
	Learn more

“God of War III”
	Learn more

“Bioshock 2″
	Learn more

“Uncharted 2: Among Thieves”
	Learn more

“Assassin’s Creed II”
	Learn more

“Batman: Arkham Asylum”
	Learn more

“The Beatles: Rock Band”
	Learn more

“Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time”
	Learn more

“Infamous”
	Learn more

“Madden NFL 10″
	Learn more

Now for me, the list would go like this:

1- Assassin’s Creed II

2- Uncharted II

3- God of War III (Although I did not play any previous part)

4- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

5- Batman: Arkham Asylum

6- Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time

Someone once mockingly told me I play too many games for a father. Ironically, ever since then few months a go, I have not finished a single game, and may hardly have made 10 hours of gaming. Why do I bother with this list then? Just because I can dream!

Watch out… You might be locked on

Bashar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:31:20 +0000

My Thoughts: Good try that could be made a lot better :)

Assassin’s Creed 2 Trailer – It’s Strictly Business

Bashar — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 09:39:25 +0000

I bet you didn’t see that coming in the second trailer! Oww… can’t wait for it. And for further screenshots, click here. Thanks ltmit.

UPDATE: It would seem I was totally wrong about my excitement over the second trailer, as it’s for Assassin’s Creed I not II. Sorry about that.

PS3 Blu-Ray Disc Remote, What a relief!

Bashar — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:55:37 +0000

How wonderful this PS3 Blu-Ray remote controller is. I hesitated for a while from buying it but after getting it I knew what nightmare I have been putting my self through. The controller just needs one time configuration and identification on the PS3, and then through bluetooth you can use it from far away, quickly and easily, with all regular DVD functionality including the necessary functions such as Subtitle. I hate when I need to move to the menu to select my language.

The problem with the PS3 game controller is simply, it’s designed to be a game controller, period. To perform a function you have to press the Triangle button, and then search for your functionality. You can do quick seek using the Ls & Rs button, but that means if you simply want to place the PS3 controller on the floor, R2 or L2 button could easily get triggered by mistake and there goes the movie.

If you’re into HD Blu-Ray movie watching, this thing will definitely make your life easier!

PS3 Green Light On and System Won’t Start

Bashar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:15:02 +0000

I had this weird problem yesterday knowing I have not done any video setting changes, nor recall a pending software installation. When I start the PS3, green light comes up and then nothing happens. Insert the Game into the slot, blue light blinks and again nothing happens. No video, no sound, and no, it’s not output setting problem as many others have guessed in forums. Try to assign your wireless controller and you’ll know. It doesn’t. If it was on, output and controller assigning I assume should be two separate things.

Symptoms:

On start, PS3 Green light comes up but nothing happens. No sound or video
Insert game or any disc into the slot, blue blinks and again nothing happens
Try to assign wireless controller, nothing happens.
Try restart the console, unplug it for a while, or keep it on for long time again does not solve the problem.

I was hoping for some reason it’s replaceable hardware failure rather than software one in a closed box like this. I didn’t know about the system restore feature.

Solution:

With the PS3 in Standby mode (Red light on), press and hold the Start button until you hear a single beep, followed by double beeps.
Connect the controller using USB cable and press the PS button on the controller.
Now, the system restore screen (or whatever they call it) will come up like this
You have several options here for restoring the system, some will unfortunately wipe up all your data, others will make you lose the file naming. For me, I tried the option top-bottom and eventually had to do the Restore PS3 System. Luckily, all I had were demos, trailers, and game saves. only game I was really playing now was Prince of Persia. I felt terrible still though, but much better than if I was playing Ninja Gaiden or MGS right? Or let’s say a game Fallout!

Sharing it for others with same misfortune. Guess we’ll need the PS3 included in the backup plan then.

UPDATE: Alan is suggesting a better solution in the comments that I did not get to test my self, but see if it helps.

“I have found a way to keep all your saved data with this problem.
Follow the steps above but first download the latest firmware update from the playstation website and save it onto a USB key. Follow the steps and choose the bottom option “SYSTEM UPDATE”. Wait for it to update and it should restart with all your music, videos and gamesaves.”

Thanks Alan and everyone else who contributed in the comments.

UPDATE: This simple post keeps getting better with contributions by you guys, thanks a lot for you all. This is a very helpful link with videos to fix the PS3 Yellow Light of Death. Thanks banditopeepuk for the link.

UPDATE 2: So many people are still facing similar issues, and I’m sorry if this suggested solution does not help all of you. Please try the comments below as there are plenty of other tips that might help. Michael pointed out the PS3 controller reset button I didn’t know about. Hope that helps.

NOTICE: To better help identify the problem, it is better if you specify your PS3 version, model, and year of manufacture. E.g, PoS3/40 GB, Manufactured Sept 2007. Thanks Amediar for the tip.

Wii Fit or Lazy Fits More?

Bashar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:53:15 +0000

While Wii keeps promising the awaited Wii Fit that will launch in May, that some say would let you cancel your gym membership, others are making things more easy and lazy-proof with their Brain Control headset that would allow users wearing the $299 headset (cheap.. I’m buying one) to move objects by only thinking of their actions! The headset can also detect more than 30 different emotions and actions, and can also use your facial expressions as avatars to the game character.

While this technology is not new, it’s newly brought to end user and in the gaming industry. This headset is expected to be out in the market later this year, so it’s pretty soon. You can see the Brain Control headset link for snapshot and video of it, and also enjoy the other video from YouTub here.

One thing that comes to my mind is, how does outside interference affect the game? Say there is someone talking to you, a baby jumping over your lap, your hear a joke, or see an eye-catchy thing, or even sneeze. And this happens before you give the final boss his mortal combo attack. OUCH!!!

Anyways, you can find all those news story links and more on Buzz Out Load.

What a day for Blu-Ray

Bashar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:22:27 +0000

So I wake up today to find an email from my in-law, Toshiba seems to be ready to raise the white flag, and hit the last nail into HD-DVD coffen, as CNET Buzz Out Loud like to refer to it. From their side also, rumors are spreading that Microsoft will be introducing a Blu-Ray player add-on to their Xbox 360! Just think how bad it must feel for Microsoft. But what I really feel sorry for is the HD-DVD users who have to buy add-ons or replace their DVD Player, and I have to say, when I bought the PS3 I didn’t really think Blu-Ray will outdo the HD-DVD, even though I was strongly supporting it, enough being anti-Microsoft. Luckily, it did win.

Numbers looking good for PS3

Bashar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:49:05 +0000

The January NPD data report on console and game sales in the US has been released, and PS3 sales have not only surpassed Xbox 360 with 269,000 units compared to 230,000, but it is also going Wii a real chase up with 6,000 units difference only! It’s true ofcourse, Xbox 360 has been in the market for quite some time, and Wii has been selling like candy all the time. On the other, considering the price difference between a PS3 and a Wii, for me this counts as PS3 is outselling right now.

Meanwhile, rumors are spreading of next generations of the Wii and Xbox 360 in 2010. With the delay Sony had in releasing PS3, I think the will have their own show in the next release, probably 2012. But then again, they might enjoy knowing their enemy tactics and countering them.

PS3′s main problem remains so far however, and that is lacking killer apps and exclusive games. Wii is fun for family, Xbox 360 has many exclusive games, and with strong internet multi-player support, while in PS3, and coming from Anti-Microsoft guy, still lacks the games that brings people to it. I am personally downloading many playable demos I find, and I hardly find ay worth of spending $60 on. Call of Duty? Well that’s not exclusive. MGS? Fans are still waiting! I know some people might be loving some games there but there isn’t just enough variety, and the lack of multi-player games there makes it less helpful in gatherings.

This Add-on device that will let PS3 users watch digital TV via their consoles might bring more value to it. There is a video demo of the device if you like. But for me, last week I knew I didn’t waste my money on the PS3 after I watch the first Blu Ray version episode of what I think is the best planet documentary ever made.

Watch the trailer and you will know what I mean.

Japanese Love PS3, Hate XBox 360

Bashar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:51:10 +0000

I came by the Google Trends and I was thinking of an interesting competition to make, and I thought “What’s better than console war?”. So I went and compared PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii. and here is the result:

Pretty obvious Wii came out of no where in 2005 Q4 to take over soon. Xbox 360 over does PS3 for most of the season. And only recently PS3 seems to be catching up with XBox 360, as it is becoming more affordable and has more games. That’s not all you can read from the marvelous Google Trend however. If you take your eyes down a bit to the regional break down you will see this:

What can you see? Xbox 360 is red remember. It is the lowest of all in Japan, and we’re not talking about a tiny difference. Not for any other console or region there is such low demand. Pretty interesting ha! Guess Japanese hate this thing to heart. The other interesting thing I noticed is that United States come at # 8 in ranking for PS3 demand, and does not exceed # 6 for the other two consoles. I didn’t think France, Canada and Spain would be topping the US in video game demand.

Now for a detailed look at how the graph looks for console demand in the land of games, Japan:

OUCH! Very very low for XBox 360. Wii is starting to get competition with the yet to prove PS3.

PlayStation 3 Sales Top As Their Price Drop

Bashar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:31:43 +0000

Following the $100 price drop of PlayStation 3 their sales have topped on Amazon Video Games yesterday, overdoing Wii. Is the $100 all that was separating people from the PS3? Or is it just a temporarily reaction that will fade away? Both ways, I think this is the best time to strike with new games.

PS3 price drop to $499

Bashar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:51:25 +0000

Tough luck to me and all people who just bought it. The price of 60 GB PS3 will drop to $499 as the new 80 GB hits the market with $599 price. One of the main reasons for PS3 failure is high price tag so I wonder why they are bringing in a new expensive device into the market. PS3 is already not selling very well. Drop in price may encourage new buyers, but overloading shops with other expensive units does not make much sense to me.

The link above mentions figures about the low sales volume of PS3 (82,000 units) in May, compared to 155,000 XBox 360 and 338,000 Wii consoles. Now that the price of 60 GB PS3 is a bit close to XBox 360, we can expect to see kind of a fair fight.

PS3 not fully backward compatible after all

Bashar — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 09:16:38 +0000

Europeans who have been waiting to get their hands on PS3 once it hits the Euro market in March 24th might be a bit disappointed to know that not all PS2 or PS games will work on the Europe version of the PS3 console. Unlike the US and Japanese versions, the design of the European PS3 seems to be different. It is worth mentioning that initially in E3, PS3 was announced to be fully backward compatible. More from BBC News.

The good news is however, since the console is due in March, we expect to see the prices of existing console to go down a little now that it is more available. So cheer up, and hold on to your money. No good games to rush yet.

Tip for PlayStation: Power is not everything

Bashar — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:33:25 +0000

If there is one lesson that I have learned from the gaming industry, it’s that strength is not everything. The report and results from PC World says so. After two years of promising next generation powerful console, PS3 came out unloaded and had nothing special. Sales of PS2 are surpassing PS3 now, that Sony have increased this year shipment of the old console to 13 million unites, up from 11 millions planned originally.

But why is that lack behind? When Nintendo launched, they didn’t have much advancement in graphics, and I think they made the right choice not to go with that direction. To succeed, they decided instead to do thing differently, with their remote like controller that really made the simplest of games sound fun to play, and easy too. Another thing they saved on was the price, compared to the expensive PS3 console. In addition, Nintendo had their killer apps ready for launch. The long anticipated and exclusive Legend of Zelda, was enough to get people lined up for the Wii console. Rayman did not do bad at all as well. Sony on the other hand had no killer app, nor exclusive games. It was basically the sames games on other consoles with a bit more on graphics. Nothing that is worthy of 400 to 600 dollars! While both Wii and PS3 should not be available worldwide, in Kuwait ofcourse they both are even at large stores like Virgin. The funny thing is, some shops are selling Wii for over $700, almost the price of PS3. It is worth mentioning that PS3 came first to Kuwait for over $1500, and it is now worth around $850 only. Read the PC World report for more information on console sales in the US.

Console sales in US led by XBox 360 in Dec

Bashar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 14:09:10 +0000

The Register writes about the game console sales in US last month, lead by XBox 360 with 1.1m unites, followed by Wii 604,200 and Sony 3 490,700. PS3 is still in the last place, and XBox 360 taking the lead among. This lead is most probably due to the lack of productions units for Wii and PS3. Why is the PS3 also less popular? Well I suggest you browse for the PS3 games and see which game is worthy of buying the $400 console. There is no killer app for PS3 yet, but they should be coming in 2007 or else Sony will be kicked out of this round.

The amazing thing is the sales of the old consoles however. PS2 reached 1.4m, 1.6m for Nintendo DS, and 953,200 units for PSP. How could people still buy the PS2 I wondered, and then I remembered the tag price for new consoles. The total console sales in December rose %59.2 from last year, totalling $1.6bn! Can you imagine. And my dad used to tell me video games are just for kids.

Read the full article here.

Both Sony and Nintendo to release fixes for their consoles

Bashar — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:52:48 +0000

Its been a month almost since the release of the latest two game consoles in the market, and now the two companies, Sony and Nintendo, are already updating their consoles. Nintendo Wii have been report to have weak straps that blowout eventually, as it seems the company underestimated its new controller appeal to the fans.

Sony on the other hand have updated their firmware to address the resolution scaling problem that has many times been reported. Nevertheless, some say the new update does not fix anything.

Slashdot has more on the story.

BlogAllAlong » Consoles

PS3 V3.01 Slowness Fix

Related Posts:

Lawsuit against Sony PS3 v3.00 firmware update

Related Posts:

PS3 120 GB Slim Officially Released for $299

Related Posts:

Top 10 Anticipated PS3 Games

Related Posts:

Watch out… You might be locked on

Related Posts:

Assassin’s Creed 2 Trailer – It’s Strictly Business

Related Posts:

PS3 Blu-Ray Disc Remote, What a relief!

Most Popular Posts:

PS3 Green Light On and System Won’t Start

Related Posts:

Wii Fit or Lazy Fits More?

Most Popular Posts:

What a day for Blu-Ray

Most Popular Posts:

Numbers looking good for PS3

Most Popular Posts:

Japanese Love PS3, Hate XBox 360

Most Popular Posts:

PlayStation 3 Sales Top As Their Price Drop

Most Popular Posts:

PS3 price drop to $499

Most Popular Posts:

PS3 not fully backward compatible after all

Most Popular Posts:

Tip for PlayStation: Power is not everything

Most Popular Posts:

Console sales in US led by XBox 360 in Dec

Most Popular Posts:

Both Sony and Nintendo to release fixes for their consoles

Most Popular Posts: