PlayStation Plus Subscribers Get Cloud-Based Game Saving

Starting tomorrow, PlayStation Network users who subscribe to the Plus program will have access to online storage for their game saves, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced. On March 10, the feature will arrive via the upcoming PlayStation 3 system software update version 3.60 and will automatically enable for all Plus subscribers who install it. It'll allow users to store up to 150 megabytes of save data remotely, to a maximum of 1000 data files per account. The update will support copy-protected save data as well, and previously backed-up files can be restored once a day. Sony says most PS3 titles are already compatible with the new feature, and all forthcoming games on the platform will support it. "Online storage for game saves ensures that data stored by PlayStation Plus subscribers is more secure than ever and is an integral feature for gamers who wish to access their data on other PS3 systems," says SCEA in a statement. The feature's been widely-rumored since 2009, and today's announcement confirms recent reports that its launch was imminent. Its availability only to Plus subscribers was previously only speculated, however. Sony announced the Plus program at E3 in 2010, revealing subscribers would get additional features like full pre-purchase game trials and exclusive content like themes and avatars. A subscription is $49.99 annually, and the company is currently offering a limited-time promotion that offers three bonus months with a subscription. Users can also try a three-month subscription for $17.99.