Next PS3 Firmware Update Arrives on Wednesday; Packs In-game XMB, Trophies, Gamer Cards, More

Update: Sony has issued numerous details on the forthcoming update, revealing the new capabilities, such as custom soundtracks, to be more limited than initially thought.

Original Story: Sony Computer Entertainment has revealed that the PlayStation 3 will gain the oft-requested in-game XMB menu and other community features in a free downloadable firmware update due this Wednesday, July 2.

The in-game integration of the XMB means that PS3 players will finally be able to send and receive messages within all games. Previously, gamers were notified in-game when upon message receipt, but most titles required them to exit out of the game to read and possibly respond to it.

Other aspects of the in-game XMB include the ability to play custom music during a game and the option to manage PlayStation Store downloads in-game.

The 2.40 firmware also introduces the Xbox 360 Achievement-like Trophy system and profiles similar to the Xbox 360's Gamer Cards, as well as doubles the PS3's online friends list limit from 50 to 100.

"Gamers will be ranked on a Level-basis depending on the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum trophies they earn across all games," explained Sony. "These profiles will serve as virtual representations of PS3 users, allowing them to personalize their identities and display their gaming accomplishments."

Housemarque's downloadable effort Super Stardust HD will be the first game to support trophies, with the following games slated to support it by the year's end:

• BUZZ! Quiz TV

• LittleBigPlanet

• MotorStorm Pacific Rift

• NBA 09

• PAIN

• PixelJunk Eden

• Resistance 2

• SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation

• Warhawk