PixlBit

The patch paves the way for the beginning of the age of Vita.

With the impending launch of the PlayStation Vita in Japan this December and the European and North American launch coming shortly after this upcoming February, Sony has begun to make preparations to ensure that the PSP successor is well supported right out the gate.  Along with an ever growing list of launch titles, Sony will be releasing a new PS3 system software update (version 4.00 for those keeping score at home) to accommodate the handheld's cross platform and content management capabilities.

The new patch, which will be released sometime this week, will allow users to copy their digital content (games, photos, videos, etc…) from their Vita to their PS3 and vice versa.  It will also allow users to back up Vita game saves and other game related data to the PS3 hard drive and update the system software for the Vita through use of the PS3’s network features.

Also included in the software update are the following updated features:

• PlayStation Plus members will now have greater control over their automatic updates (game patches, system software, recommended games and videos, sync trophy info).
• There will be new PlayStation Network settings for filtering friend requests and messages.

More information on the firmware update will be available after the patch goes live.

UPDATE: The 4.00 patch is being rolled out now so players will be able to download it some time today, if not immediately.