With 3-D televisions and Blu-ray players expected to arrive in stores this year, it makes sense that Sony would be toying around with ways to make the PlayStation 3 as big of a player as possible. Leaked peeks at the console's next firmware update indicate that the PS3 could be ahead of the game, if a 3-D video output option turns out to be legit.
Screen captures from the PS3's 3.20 update clearly show the option, according to VG247, where the shots were posted. It appears the output can be set to automatic or something else.
The presence of the 3-D ability will likely coincide with or come out ahead of "Gran Turismo 5," which Sony has already shown off in 3-D. "GT5" may show up this summer, since it was pushed back from a planned March launch. That would time it to hit stores about the same time 3-D-capable TV's show up.
The report quotes Sony's head of PlayStation marketing John Koller as stating as CES that a firmware upgrade would be all the PS3 needs to generate 3-D imagery, which makes me wonder what the fundamental difference is between current Blu-ray players and Sony's new 3-D-ready units. CNET says it's probably a matter of maximum resolution potential, which is as good a theory as any.
How do you feel about 3-D gaming? Do you think you'll have any use for Sony's next firmware update? Share your responses in the comment section below.