PS3 v2.41 patch reinstalls trophies, in-game XMB

PlayStation 3 owners may be feeling a certain sense of deja vu today. That's because, as it did last week, this morning Sony announced the release of new firmware, which upgrades the console with two long-desired features. The first is in-game access to the XrossMediaBar (XMB), which will allow users to access limited PS3 features without quitting a game and allow direct access to other features without returning to the main PlayStation menu. The second is the PS3's long-in-development trophy system, which will award players for in-game feats much like the Xbox 360's achievement system.

While last week's v2.40 PS3 firmware update was intended to bestow consoles with both functionalities, it was quickly pulled following reports of freezing consoles. On the official PlayStation Blog, PlayStation Network director Eric Lempel also said that Sony "had to take it offline temporarily because, for a limited number of users, the XMB wouldn't display after the update was installed." Today's v2.41 update--which Lempel promised would arrive "shortly" after his post--has been adjusted to prevent such issues.

Another problem was encountered by some PS3 owners installing the v2.40 software while their controllers were physically plugged into their console--a problem which prevented said controllers from syncing. According to Sony customer support, anyone encountering said problem should perform a hard reset of the controller by pushing a pin or paper clip into a small hole at the controller's bottom.

For a full rundown of the new firmware upgrade, trophies, and the in-game XMB, check out GameSpot's previous coverage and GameSpot Hardware Insider's hands-on preview.