PS3s getting 3D Blu-ray playback Sept. 21

TOKYO--Today, Sony continued its 3D initiative by announcing that the next PlayStation 3 firmware update would add 3D Blu-ray movie playback capabilities to the platform. Currently, it is the only console to offer standard Blu-ray playback and/or 3D gaming.

The 3D-enabling update, v3.50, will be pushed to consoles via the PlayStation Network on September 21, 2010--next Tuesday. However, only a few Blu-ray titles currently have 3D versions, including Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and the just-released Monster House. A 3D-compatible television is also required to view the games in 3D, with Sony's electronics business offer offering several models in its Bravia line of high-definition televisions.

Sony's interest in stereoscopic 3D gaming on the PlayStation 3 was first rumored late in 2007 and began to be implemented in June. That's when such games as Wipeout HD, Super Stardust HD, PAIN, and a demo of MotorStorm: Pacific Rift were the first to add 3D graphics.

As for the future, Sony announced that at least one of the upcoming PlayStation Move games--The Fight: Lights Out--will feature optional 3D graphics. Several upcoming games, such as the just-announced HD Team Ico Collection and Killzone 3, will also have full 3D visual support.