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3D PS3 gaming coming via firmware update in 2010

[UPDATE] Japanese electronics giant says all consoles will benefit from stereoscopic depth-of-field technology after downloadable patch.

Sony hasn't treated its aims at fully entering the stereoscopic 3D landscape with much secrecy. At the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony showed off Polyphony Digital and Evolution's MotorStorm with full depth of field using the emerging 3D display technology. Representatives of the Japanese electronics giant also said in September at a German tech conference that Sony would begin manufacturing a PlayStation 3-compatible 3D Bravia HDTV by the end of 2010.

This would pop out of the screen with 3D glasses.

This would pop out of the screen with 3D glasses.

What's more, Sony reps said that it also plans to integrate the stereoscopic 3D technology directly into the PS3 beginning in 2011 or 2012. Now, Sony has thrown its full corporate weight behind its intent to integrate stereoscopic 3D into the PS3 as part of a presentation given to media and investors today.

As part of a slide titled "5 Key Advantages of PlayStation 3,"Sony said all PS3 units would eventually be given a 3D display mode as part of a future firmware update. The company also said that it will release a line of 3D games that make use of the technology. However, it did not indicate when the firmware update or the 3D-compatible games would come to market.

[UPDATE] Sony's entrance into the stereoscopic 3D market will come sometime next year. Speaking alongside the aforementioned presentation, Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai confirmed that the PlayStation group will begin enacting its 3D strategy in 2010.

"Next year, in tandem with the Sony 3D TV product launch, PS3 also plans to launch 3D game titles--not just first party, but we are actively supporting third-party software developers 3D game development," Hirai said. "Finally, I'd like to announce here today that all PS3 sold since the 2006 launch will support 3D through firmware update."

"HDMi enables high-quality output of 3D video, and the cell processor's SPU performs video decoding which allow us to support new codecs through a software update," Hirai continued. "As a result, through a network software update, our customers will be able to instantly enjoy 3D games without replacing their existing PS3 consoles."

Aside from new games, Sony has previously indicated that the 3D tech could also work with existing software. At the aforementioned German exhibition, Sony set up the prototype unit with a PS3 showing off existing games, like WipeOut HD, being played in 3D. Company reps said the technology on display was built into the HDTV itself, meaning it would work with preexisting PS3 games and consoles.

447 Comments

  • partytimekegs

    Posted May 25, 2010 11:40 pm GMT

    The 3D Samsung HDTV's are at a MINIMUM of $1,999.
    The flagship 55" being $3,999.
    That is a pretty penny for entry level 3DHDTV technology.
    I tested it out in person at a BestBuy and it really doesn't come out of the screen.. it just adds depth of field. Don't get me wrong.. depth of field is neat. However, its not exactly "popping" out at you.
    Its just adding angles that don't look quite right. (Which looks neat.. just not what I was expecting.)

    Also.. to whoever is talking bout 120hz and 60hz.. If you don't have a true 120hz HDTV then you need to upgrade lol. Another thing is the fact that stereoscopic isn't entirely meaning shutter glasses which is when the game is run in two instances. (This would make most games completely unplayable on the PS3) They must be going through a different form of getting things 3D. Nvidia is the only mainstream 3D that I absolutely know runs the game in two instances.

  • Malhound

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 2:14 am GMT

    These features may be part of the forthcoming PS9.

  • khris_25

    Posted Mar 10, 2010 1:56 pm GMT

    the only thing is since 3d take two images at 60hz you need a tv that runs a true 120hz. but most game will not be playable because the ps3 will have to run two images together so cutting the frame rate in half in some cases. Thats why the only previewed racing games they run at 60fps most of the time and are playable at 30ish for games like MGS that runs in the 30fps 15fps isn't playable. Ive played wow in 3d on my computer and its great. Cant wait.

  • penguins227

    Posted Feb 7, 2010 6:51 pm GMT

    Question: to get an existing game in 3d, say Battlefield Bad Company (which truly would be AWESOME in 3d), you would need to buy a brand new TV that outputs in 3d AND glasses to go with it?

  • big-boss-91

    Posted Jan 30, 2010 3:34 pm GMT

    if anyone seen Avatar in IMAX 3D, you would remember people yelling out at the beginning of the film "MY EYES!! IT HURTS!!", more reason to bring 3D! i love it!

  • Ghost345

    Posted Jan 29, 2010 2:41 pm GMT

    meh

  • Judgester

    Posted Jan 19, 2010 12:37 pm GMT

    I wonder how much a 3-D HDTV would cost...

  • Sscnum21mvp

    Posted Dec 10, 2009 2:57 pm GMT

    I couldnt play this for very long. 3D makes my head hurt

  • Tylendal

    Posted Nov 23, 2009 2:19 pm GMT

    Wow. Yet another reason to get a PS3.

  • tmacaalin

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 11:32 pm GMT

    mmm....
    i think you need atleast 120Ghz HDTV to do 3D?
    im not sure....

  • xblane

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 2:07 pm GMT

    @Zerabp Sony are in the business of TVs also... I think they'd want to move a few more of them

  • bouddajay

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 11:26 am GMT

    I wonder if there are any negative effects of using 3d glasses for long periods of time??

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 10:14 am GMT

    @KaizerJinn
    True enough. I'd like to think that it would actually be really cool, if not useful, but I'm looking at this the the same way I do movies; most of the ones that are in 3D suck, and none of them have been ones I wanted to see.
    If something is good, it'll be good with or without a 3D gimmick, if it's bad, 3D might make it worse. Stuff designed around it, with #D in mind from the get go, could be neat though.
    I guess we all have to wait and see.

  • TripSe7en

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 9:38 am GMT

    @ fuzzthedog
    Its called natal.

  • Zerabp

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 8:59 am GMT

    So will this work on any 120hz and up HDTV or just the new 3d ones. It seems stupid to bother if you're trying to get people to buy a new tv. They can also still easily make money of just selling the glasses as a peripheral if it's the former if its the latter i won't bother out of principle.

  • KaizerJinn

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 8:27 am GMT

    @solidine
    good point... i see where your coming from trust me. i was never a real fan of 3D effects, BUT you never know until until it comes into fruitation. until then thats what forums are for to speculate. LoL. =P

  • Zartan3000

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 6:29 am GMT

    This is awesome news! Won't be able to afford a 3d Bravia util it's been out for like 5 years.. but with 3d specs it should still work on a a normal tv.Could be Sony's answer to Natal and the Wii remote.

  • kamizuka

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 3:18 am GMT

    i agree that this gen should last longer, the ps3 is very powerful and even now they didnt use the full power of the ps3 nor the Blueray(they are using 50gb but ofc they can use the 80gb in the future

  • Fists1

    Posted Nov 22, 2009 1:59 am GMT

    Cant wait for the day all sunglass lenses are treated with film for sony's giant 3D "Bow to us or Die" bilboards, and of course their forrays into the entertainment industry.

  • kingdevil2

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 11:59 pm GMT

    holy cow this kicks my ps4 thinking butt! This is gonna be my love of my life (to bad i have 1 already)

  • bisonfan2010

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 9:50 pm GMT

    Man if the ps3 will start playing 3-d games..(which is going to be totally freaking awesome with the motion sensor controls that are coming in 2010)

    The ps4 isnt going to come until the world ends lol. ( i would almost bet that the next generation would be putting something like a bunch of sensors in your bedroom then it will transform it into virtual reality lol.)

  • acer_062

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 8:31 pm GMT

    Great job Sony. Nice to know my PS3 is future proofed for yet another cool feature.

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 6:17 pm GMT

    @KaizerJinn
    It would be nice if it was both free and optiona;, but I'm a little suspect about that.
    This would be the first of 3D gaming with the intent to make it commonplace. Frankly, i can't imagine Sony not trying to pocket some cash for such a feature.

    Either way, I don't know how they'd do it. I'm not a tech-wizard, I don't know how this stuff works, or could work, but I don't see how they could do it without marketing an accesory or some kind.
    If all PS3's and HDTV's can be given the ability to display in 3D, it stands that watching movies on the PS3 could benefit as well. if that's the case, people woud buy PS3's instead of those 3D TV's that are supposed to e in the works.
    That would be a huge money loss since Sony no doubt would intend to get in on the action of 3D HDTV's, even if they sold more PS3's as a result.

    Still, I guess any assumtions are premature at this point, so it's irrelevent.
    Frankly, I don't even care about 3D, but maybe that'll change if I go see a 3D movie.
    Having the option would be neat though.

  • Vulpis

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 5:41 pm GMT

    Hrm--the one thing they didn't seem to ask is, 'How much is Sony going to charge for the 3D glasses?' Nvidia's pushing this tech on their video cards as well, and while their shutter-glasses are nicely made, they're charging quite a bit for them.

  • shinchy

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 3:51 pm GMT

    Well they've been trying to desperately to get 3D going for like 50 years. I suppose at least now it'll still be in Colour, but I think the chances of it taking off are very very slim.

  • HerbalVideogame

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 1:04 pm GMT

    When the Xbox 720 comes out, looks like we'll still be playing our PS3's.

  • pela_yo

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 12:59 pm GMT

    not really looking forward for this 3d makes me dizzy :S

  • ptown58

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 11:35 am GMT

    Where are all the 120hz - 240hz 22"-24" monitors ? To do 3d i think a 120hz - 240hz will be needed ? Hope one of the three are at least a 24"

  • cyborg100000

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 11:11 am GMT

    -_-

  • KaizerJinn

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 9:42 am GMT

    @solidine
    they said it work on all existing PS3(through an update that's coming in 2010), and can possibly work on existing games... so i'm pretty sure you wont need to buy anything additional.

    MY main concern is that i hope it dont increase how expensive the games are. If the game prices stays the same, and there's no type of hidden chrg on psn for usage i'm all done for 3D. With all the space available on BR it shouldnt be that much of a concern. to add feature on the BR... but now thinking about it some more... they might just have it as a DLC(hopefully without a fee)... here's to wishful thinking. =D

  • joeborg14

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 9:35 am GMT

    The idea sounds cool, but I'm not sure it's enough to spend another thousand dollars on a nice "3D compatible" TV. Not to mention wearing those gorgeous glasses. And what about split screen? That's gonna throw a wrench in the whole deal.

  • maxisme

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 8:38 am GMT

    Watching things in 3D makes me terribly dizzy.

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 7:50 am GMT

    Gotta hear more. Sounds like a gimmick, though admittedly a gimmick I'd try if it seemed like it would last long term and was done well.
    Of course, I dont' have tons of money to blow either, so if I have to buy another device, it better be reasonable.

  • DiabloNeonX

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 5:55 am GMT

    Mikey, I think you've hit the nail on the head. I, too, see this being gimmicky at first, and then properly executed in the next console generation.

    But, it does make me wonder if it'll work with any TV.

  • Hanzoadam

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 5:39 am GMT

    Thats cool that it'll be an update

  • mikeyg756

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 4:45 am GMT

    This is going to be big next generation but i can't see it being huge this generation. Lets face it if they do get it working nicely all we are going to see is trashy little 3D gimmick games until it is properly integrated next generation.

  • Krimson_Knight

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 4:37 am GMT

    with the tv

  • Krimson_Knight

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 4:37 am GMT

    maxgil is probably right they will selll packages for like $6000

  • Super_fishy_64

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 3:53 am GMT

    Virtual Boy anyone?!?!

  • Crud23

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 3:06 am GMT

    Somehow I think that 3D gaming just won't work that well... Stuff flying at me would probably put me off quite a bit, but thats just my view on this idea.

  • maxgil2

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 2:57 am GMT

    @raghraghragh, I doubt it will work with current tvs, mostlikely will need the new 3D tvs that are coming next yr..

  • raghraghragh

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 11:43 pm GMT

    Djinnator - Next gen? apparently the ps3 will be compatable with these 3d tvs, why would we need a new console generation?

    @Djinnator
    They'll no doubt use the same technology in future consoles if it's successful this generation.

  • raghraghragh

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 11:39 pm GMT

    Considering they haven't said that this technology will work with current TVs, no doubt this will be just act as a test for future consoles.

  • Simple_malk

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 10:12 pm GMT

    @ Linkman0714
    The way they're saying it I belief that, yes, you will need a new TV. From what I've heard also 3D takes about double the frame rate of regular movies/games but I'm not 100% about that.

  • andalore

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 10:06 pm GMT

    If only i had some 3d glasses

  • Linkman0714

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 9:50 pm GMT

    do i need a fancy 3d tv to be able to play games in 3d. or will it work on the hi def tv i already have?

  • akhauskinz

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 9:29 pm GMT

    Finally, they get to use the power of that cell processor for SOMETHING...

  • dave0015

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 9:11 pm GMT

    2011 or 2012 noooo that means we will only get to play in 3d for 1-2 years before we all die

  • fuzzthedog

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 8:02 pm GMT

    I want it to have a sensor bar like the Wii... turn your head and the camera rotates with it. It'd be kinda cool... anyways, for everyone waiting, only 2-3 years to go! That's only 730-1,095 days, or 17,520-26,280 hours, or 1,051,200-1,576,800 minutes. It's not that long! (63,072,000-94,608,000 seconds)

    Hope that makes the wait seem shorter!

  • Bevmo

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 8:01 pm GMT

    thats great and all, sony can do the fancy stuff, but they don't even support the very basics like voice chat conferences. don't call me a 360 fanboy because i only own a ps3.

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