games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 


PSP firmware v5.51 is on the way ... for God's sake photo

It's time for Sony's billionth PSP firmware update! If there's one thing that pisses me off about the PSP, above all else, it's that in between every game for the system that's actually worth buying, a new update appears. This means that not only do I barely switch my PSP on, but when I do, I have to sit through yet another update screen. This has happened with the last three or four games I've played, and it's getting quite beyond a joke.

This update provides no features, with Sony's Eric Lempel feeding us the usual "software stability" line. This means it's another one of the PSP's quite unnecessary updates that exists solely as a futile attempt to curb piracy and irritate anybody who legally buys games and wants to just play them. It's not like the PSP has much battery life anyway, we don't want to waste precious time with updates when we're on a plane and want to get to the frigging game we foolishly decided to buy instead of torrent.

Sorry, but Sony's obsession with firmware updates really gets on my nerves.


Continue: More ZOMG Jim moar anti-Sony bias ZOMG stories





prev
next 50 comments

73 comments | showing # 1 to 50

wadawoodo's Avatar
wadawoodo at 06/11/2009 09:23
FNARG image NSFW :(
The Young Scot's Avatar
The Young Scot at 06/11/2009 09:26
I'll show you MY
Kraid's Avatar
Kraid at 06/11/2009 09:26
WTF meng! An anime girl sleeping on a bed are you out of your fucking mind!? What are you thinking everybody at work thinks I'm a nazi pedophile now! GO to hell Sterling I hate you.


also Piracy.
Soulwax's Avatar
Soulwax at 06/11/2009 09:26
Can we keep the anime/manga shit on japanator please? I come for the videogame news, not cartoon porn.
king zetta's Avatar
king zetta at 06/11/2009 09:29
soulwax your a terrible person
Slique's Avatar
Slique at 06/11/2009 09:30
The PS3 firmware updates aren't much better. The damn things take so bloody long to download, and it drives me crazy how they can't be temporarily skipped for a later time.
Tha Meat's Avatar
Tha Meat at 06/11/2009 09:31
I'm pretty sure you hate everything about the PSP Sterling. Yet in several of your articles you claim you love your PSP. What do you actually LOVE about it?
Wintersocks's Avatar
Wintersocks at 06/11/2009 09:34
@Kraid

I think that was his plan.
Nic128's Avatar
Nic128 at 06/11/2009 09:38
I'm fine with updates, I just hate when my battery is low and I can't install the update on the moment.
Jack Maverick's Avatar
Jack Maverick at 06/11/2009 09:41
Wait, is that ponytail coming out of the side of her head? That really bugs me, since I'm somewhat OCD and seeing it offset like that irritates me. However, I also find it slightly erotic.

Anyway, I'm not big fans of Sony, since I'm pretty sure the employees working there probably have masters in elitism. I also am not fond of what their business plan, which is pretty much "Hey, here's a bunch of promises we made. Now go download this crap if you want them." So meh.
Cadtalfryn's Avatar
Cadtalfryn at 06/11/2009 09:42
[queue music] Plug it in plug it in.
funran's Avatar
funran at 06/11/2009 09:42
You dont need to update each time though, most games don't require the newer firmwares....just dont update it
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/11/2009 09:50
"hypocrisy... u know what that means?.... "

You evidently don't.
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 10:01
so, it's not ok for L4D community members to complain about their issues, but it's perfectly ok for you to complain about Firmware updates that take care of issues that you don't see or know of.

I'm gonna have to do this "BAAAWWWWWWWWWWW"

Seriously, if this firmware fixed a bug in the hardware which caused your data to be corrupted you'd want the update, even if you haven't encountered or heard of the error before.

If this constitutes news to destructoid and jim sterling, perhaps you should rethink your 20 minute update cycle, or learn the standard publicist practice of renaming emotionally detached in order to deliver FACTS, this is why fox news is such a joke.
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 10:04
On another note, i can't believe you're actually complaining about a company regularly supporting and updating their hardware to combat issues such as piracy and software incompatibility.
Snacks n Candy's Avatar
Snacks n Candy at 06/11/2009 10:09
TASTEFUL PANTY SHOT!! Seriously, Japan lacks any sense of the word "subtlety". They're like "HERE, HAVE SOME CROTCH! ^_^"
CocoJambo's Avatar
CocoJambo at 06/11/2009 10:16
Pantsu.
atastysammich's Avatar
atastysammich at 06/11/2009 10:18
Who cares how ridiculous it is that the PSP updates never add any functionality and give the system a case of PS3 Envy! Time to FREAK OUT over the headline image!
Kris S's Avatar
Kris S at 06/11/2009 10:20
This is the second story I've read today because of the good artwork - not the crotch shot I might add - and the second that doesn't really interest me. I'm easily led by anime/manga it would seem :P
ejamer's Avatar
ejamer at 06/11/2009 10:22
"Seriously, if this firmware fixed a bug in the hardware which caused your data to be corrupted you'd want the update, even if you haven't encountered or heard of the error before."

But it doesn't. This firmware update doesn't add or fix anything useful, just like so many other PSP updates. That is why Jim is complaining, and that is why comparing it to the release of Left 4 Dead 2 isn't valid (ie: L4D2 does contain new features and content).

If Sony provided useful content in their updates, and rolled them out a little less frequently, or if they provided good PSP games more regularly, then this wouldn't be an issue. But Sony doesn't, so it is something worth complaining about.
ShawnKelfonne's Avatar
ShawnKelfonne at 06/11/2009 10:28
I frankly hate the fact that I have to charge my PSP to full to do an update even if it's plugged in to the wall. "Want to play this demo? Oh, sorry, you need to update! What? Your battery is dead because you haven't played this in weeks? Too bad! Charge first!"
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/11/2009 10:33
"so, it's not ok for L4D community members to complain about their issues, but it's perfectly ok for you to complain about Firmware updates that take care of issues that you don't see or know of.

I'm gonna have to do this "BAAAWWWWWWWWWWW"

Seriously, if this firmware fixed a bug in the hardware which caused your data to be corrupted you'd want the update, even if you haven't encountered or heard of the error before.

If this constitutes news to destructoid and jim sterling, perhaps you should rethink your 20 minute update cycle, or learn the standard publicist practice of renaming emotionally detached in order to deliver FACTS, this is why fox news is such a joke."

In this thread: Butthurt L4D2 boycotters.
able_to_think's Avatar
able_to_think at 06/11/2009 10:37
That's why my hacked PSP is awesome, an update takes me like 10 seconds so I don't even think about it.
Kris S's Avatar
Kris S at 06/11/2009 10:39
Hmm but has Jim started a pathetic boycott group of the PSP? What's that you say, no? Just you then, clowns
SantanaClaus89's Avatar
SantanaClaus89 at 06/11/2009 10:39
Sterling STFUAJPG. Or just STFU. Either way we don't have to be subjected to your hate blogs.
Kris S's Avatar
Kris S at 06/11/2009 10:43
@SantaClaus89
I'm quite into my football - the proper one - so I read a lot of the BBC football writers blogs including a guy called Robbo Robson. A lot of other users don't like his humour but you know what, they still read it and complain about it on the comments page. Does this remind you of anyone?
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/11/2009 10:49
"Either way we don't have to be subjected to your hate blogs."

Ummm, who is subjecting you to them now? Have you ever heard of a concept called "not reading something you don't like"? I know that's a difficult concept to grasp, but once you bend your mind around it, you'll be a lot happier.

Oh sorry, I didn't realize I was pointing this gun at your head until you'd finished reading all my "hate blogs." I'll stop doing that so you can have a better quality of life!
CommanderPoopypants's Avatar
CommanderPoopypants at 06/11/2009 10:55
You assbags giving Jim hell should go finger your sisters/moms in the other room. I'm sure you're MUCH, MUCH more talented at that than trolling on Dtoid lmao.
wastedyears's Avatar
wastedyears at 06/11/2009 10:56
If only Sony would have a firmware update that forced users to make stupid little cartoon characters instead. That would be so much better than increasing stablilty, or adding features.
LsTr Of SmG's Avatar
LsTr Of SmG at 06/11/2009 11:13
@wastedyears

Of which this new update is doing neither. It's adding no new features and if you delve a little deeper little in the way of added stability. Only more piracy controls.

Also adding stupid cartoon characters is technically adding a feature numb nuts. Shit feature though it may be - it's still adding one.

Logic - you possess none.
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 11:16
i'm not part of the L4D community, i don't even own any versions nor did i bother to pirate it, i'm simply illustrating how you are unable to practice what you preach.
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 11:20
Also, it's nice to see you making a rebuttal to my point of why it's a problem that sony actively supports their consoles with consistent firmware updates that aren't bells and whistles updates; instead attempting to illustrate my non-existent participation in a boycott.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/11/2009 11:24
Buri the boycotter:

The day I start a melodramatic boycott about something I haven't even played, you can accuse me of practicing what I preach. However, I own a PSP and am illustrating my issues with it. That is quite different from people boycotting a game that isn't even released yet based on their own wild interpretations of what "might" happen, as opposed to what *has* happened.

There's nothing wrong with complaining about something. There is something fucked up about boycotting a game just because it was announced.

Nice try, though.
Soulwax's Avatar
Soulwax at 06/11/2009 11:28
@king zetta

What does my a terrible person have to do with this?
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 11:31
Agreed, there is nothing wrong with complaining about something. But sony is doing their consumers a service by offering consistent updates to their system, despite the method of delivery.

But this is a news site, not a console forum, take your complaints somewhere where you aren't supposed to be delivering news. Sony devs check the forums on the playstation blog all the time, perhaps you should voice your concern somewhere productive to solving the issue at hand?
LsTr Of SmG's Avatar
LsTr Of SmG at 06/11/2009 11:31
*massages Jim's manly shoulders*

Take him in the third round! The third round!
xerag2099's Avatar
xerag2099 at 06/11/2009 11:43
I had a ds lite and I didn't think the life was much better to be honest. Even though I love my psp I will admit that the updates are a pain in the rump.
nilcam's Avatar
nilcam at 06/11/2009 11:49
@xerag2099: The DS Lite battery can last much longer. I've noticed that SRPGs and RPGs suck the battery down very quickly, as does non emulation. When I play action games on the Lite, it runs rings around my PSP 3000's battery life.
King Hippo's Avatar
King Hippo at 06/11/2009 11:51
Let me summarize this article, "it annoys me when console makers consistently optimize their firmware. I don't like waiting a couple of minutes to play games on a system I hate. (insert vague comment covertly endorsing people stealing games)"

Incidently, it's much more of a pain in the ass to spoof the firmware version in cfw than to actually just update the psp legitimately.
stanfy86's Avatar
stanfy86 at 06/11/2009 12:04
Dont worry Jim, im with ya on the PSP FW updates, but diddnt you hack ur psp a few months back? you should be able to play games without updating.....im using 3.9 m33 and i could play rock band without updating.....maby im playing the wrong games.....

on the L4D point i do kinda feel screwed out of my game, but im not boycotting L4D2 just yet, valve just has to make up for it by releasing another 6-12 full levels in L4D1 then ill be happy.......waiting several months for new content, then getting the ass-end of a regular level, and a survival mode was kind of a joke, especially because usually you die at the third wave unless you are uber l33t h4x or glitch out the level by reaching a hidden area........although hazmat zombie does look sweet, and meelee weapons sound cool
Kamanashi's Avatar
Kamanashi at 06/11/2009 12:08
I totally agree with you Jim. Sony's updates make having my SNES games with me every where that much harder. Though, I haven't updated to a new CFW since I got DJ Max Fever.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/11/2009 12:16
"But this is a news site"

No it's not. I'm not employed to do news, I'm employed to write about videogames in the style with which I am accustomed. I don't think you ought to tell me how to do my job, when my bosses employ me to do exactly what I am doing.

Also, I am astounded people are trying to say that Sony is just trying to support the PSP. I'd rather they had spent the last six years supporting it with games instead of shitty firmware updates. But hey, if you guys love firmware so much, that's up to you.
The-Excel's Avatar
The-Excel at 06/11/2009 12:27
I have the same complaint with Paint.NET and FileZilla.
stanfy86's Avatar
stanfy86 at 06/11/2009 12:28
@ king hippo incidently i have never had to update my FW since i started using m33 and i play all games that come out, i would say that at this point sony FW is much like DRM in the PC gaming market......pirates easily figure out ways around it, and in the end it just makes for a more frusterating expierience to the casual gamer.
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 12:41
Saying it has no games doesn't absolve their responsibility to technically support their hardware, and it's a completely different department anyways. The tech support doesn't double up as the development studio.

It's not that your writing style or the fact that you were employed for it is not what i am throwing into question, it's the content of this "article"

"This update provides no features, with Sony's Eric Lempel feeding us the usual "software stability" line."

you're making the claim that we should be angry that sony didn't release some crazy new app to go along with this frequent update and that the only thing it's addressing is stability. In my opinion, stability is something consumers want from their products and again, it's NOT a bad thing that sony is offering this kind of continued software support without having to be pressured by angry consumers.
ejamer's Avatar
ejamer at 06/11/2009 12:44
@buri3

Why are you so excited to defend Sony on this point? The update is annoying and does nothing to make the PSP more attractive for existing or new customers. Limiting piracy is a reasonable goal, but mandatory updates that provide no benefit for consumers are still a pain in the ass. End of story.
Draconianviper's Avatar
Draconianviper at 06/11/2009 12:45
I think I find it more astounding people take "all" your blogs so damn seriously Jim. Personally I enjoy some satire thrown in with some news, updates, commentary. To the naysayers, if it bothers you so damn much and it's too damn hard for you to turn on a filter, PBBBBBBBBBT! Jog on.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/11/2009 12:51
"you're making the claim that we should be angry that sony didn't release some crazy new app to go along with this frequent update and that the only thing it's addressing is stability."

No I'm not. I'm not telling anybody else what to think. I'm sharing MY opinion, which is what I am paid to do. My opinion is that the firmware-to-game ratio constitutes farce. That is MY opinion. I don't care who agrees with that or not.
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 12:52
i'm not excited about defending sony at all, i don't own a psp.

I find it perplexing that you don't consider software stability to be a benifit to customers. Do you think Red ringing 360s is a benifit? no, because it's not what you purchased, if microsoft had released a series of updates that eliminated the issue you would welcome it, because it's an apparent flaw.

They're simply fixing issues you don't know exist before it becomes a problem for anyone, this is a good thing by any standard, despite the very slight inconvenience, i as well hate waiting for updates for my ps3, but you know what? if that's what it takes to ensure my hardware continues to perform like i expect it to, then i'll take the lumps.
buri3's Avatar
buri3 at 06/11/2009 12:57
I also enjoy the overreaction some of these posts have started.

"Continue reading: More ZOMG Jim moar anti-Sony bias ZOMG stories"

It has nothing to do with it being sony, if you were complaining about the 360's updates i'd say the same thing. If there was less firmware updates it wouldn't change the quantity or quality of games for the handheld. Nor would it change the perceived "value" one gets from the handheld itself, they are updates meant to make sure those who have purchased a psp continues to use it in a fashion which is both legal and without problems.
prev next 50 comments

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos



    Win this!
    Reminder: We're giving away six copies of Magnacarta 2!



    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Mahjongg Artifacts 2 review
    Dragon Age: Origins review
    Lost Winds: The Winter of the Melodias review
    Osmos review
    Space Invaders Extreme 2 review
    Half-Minute Hero review
    JU-ON: The Grudge review
    Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble review
    Thexder Neo review
    Domino Rally review
    more reviews
    PS3's 256-player MAG
    Rooms The Main Building
    Skate 3
    Hudson's bringing back the Bonk
    James Cameron's Avatar
    Bomberman Battlefest
    Calling
    Bad Company 2's multiplayer
    Partying like it's 1959 in BioShock 2's multiplayer
    BioShock 2 through the eyes of Big Daddy
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 49632 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing
    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Jim Sterling: How to respond to a videogame review





















    More Destructoid Originals



     Popular now more
























    Destructoid's editorial lovefest is:
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief    		 Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor
    Dale North
    News Editor    		 Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor    		 Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Letters to the editors
    tips@destructoid.com
    Associate Editors
    Ashley Davis Jonathan Holmes
    Brad Nicholson Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Chad Concelmo Matthew Razak
    Colette Bennett Tom Fronczak
    Conrad Zimmerman Topher Cantler
    Dyson Samit Sarkar
    Contributors
    Adam Dork
    Ben Perlee
    Daniel Lingen
    Joseph Leray    		 Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Will Maddock
    Stella Wong





     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    		 support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    		 keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online     		seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap     		our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?



    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006