PS3 Gets Firmware Update, Tekken 5

Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced the availability of a new video chat-related firmware update for the PlayStation 3, as well as Namco's Tekken 5 ready to download in the U.S. PlayStation Store. First made available in late December in both Japan and Hong Kong, Namco Bandai's Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection was previously available only in arcade and PSP formats, before coming to the PlayStation Store as a fully downloadable title. Running at full HD (in up to 720p or 1080p) at a promised 60 frames per second, the new version of the 7th iteration in the long-running Tekken series makes boss character Jinpachi Mishima playable for the first time. Apart from the standard arcade battle mode, the downloadable version includes ghost battle, a mode in which players fight a never-ending series of characters to rise through ranks, a standard multiplayer versus mode, and a gallery mode in which players can unlock Tekken artwork and videos with in-game 'fight money.' The game will be available for download from March 1st at a price of $19.99, and has also been confirmed to be available in Europe for the PS3's launch at the end of the month. Along with the Tekken 5 announcement, Sony has sent out word detailing the features in its new 1.54 firmware, also available now for PS3 users. According to Sony, the new firmware lets users use a "compatible USB camera (webcam) compliant with USB video class (UVC)" for video chat, as well a new video chat 'screen mode' option. The latter makes the image of the person you are video chatting with match the screen size. Both new firmware features seem to strongly hint at the near-future arrival of, or at very least new announcements on, the company's next-gen EyeToy HD camera.