Sony Details PS3 Firmware Features: No Retroactive Trophies, Custom Soundtrack Limitations, More

Sony has released new details on the anticipated PlayStation 3 firmware 2.40 update, revealing its features to be somewhat more limited than previously assumed.

Going by information posted on the PlayStation.Blog, the new Achievement-like trophies will not be unlocked based on existing save files, and can only be "earned" once the game is updated and the player performs the specified task.

The long-awaited custom soundtrack feature is limited to music stored on the PS3's hard drive, and does not currently support music streamed over a network media server or via USB devices.

Sony stressed that the firmware update only "enables" custom soundtracks, and that it falls to developers to incorporate the feature into upcoming titles or patch existing ones.

While the in-game XMB functionality will allow users to send and receive messages from friends while playing a game, Sony clarified that cross-game invites into multiplayer games will not be available in the 2.40 firmware update. Sony added that it is "evaluating opportunities to expand on the new features delivered in 2.40."

The update incorporates many features provided by Microsoft's Xbox 360, and was prompted by community outcries over the various limitations over the PlayStation 3's firmware. While the features as described by the company appear to fall short of what was expected, PlayStation Network operations director Eric Lempel added that it remains a work in progress.

"Once again, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance the PlayStation 3's system software throughout the console's life cycle," wrote Lempel. "Consumer feedback has contributed greatly to the contents of Firmware v2.40, and continues to be appreciated."

The update will be available for download this Wednesday, July 2.