Sony releases PS3 firmware update

Sony has launched its 2.41 PlayStation 3 firmware update ahead of schedule following earlier reports of system failures.

The new update, which was expected to launch on Wednesday, is now live and features some unexpected additions, including a Platinum Trophy icon, additional Gamer ID features and faster loading of in-game XMB icons.

PlayStation Network director Eric Lempel wrote on the official US PlayStation blog: "As many of you know, we released PS3 firmware update v2.40 last week, but had to take it offline temporarily because, for a limited number of users, the XMB wouldn’t display after the update was installed. We’ve been able to fix the problem, and I’m happy to report that firmware update v2.41 will be released shortly.

“We want to extend our apologies to the PlayStation community for any inconvenience. Now we’ll be looking forward to seeing everyone online and racking up those trophies.”