PS3 firmware 4.00 removes quick and easy PSP install option

After installing the latest PlayStation 3 firmware, players can no longer copy PSP games from their home console to their handhelds.

Prior to the release of firmware, players could connect their PSP to a PlayStation 3, and as long as the consoles were paired and configured with the same PSN ID, could choose "copy" from the XMB to transfer the game directly to the handheld.

Now, when players highlight a PSP compatible game such as a Mini, PSOne Classic or multiplatform PSN release, the option is simply missing. Players must re-download games directly to their PSP, something of a problem given the ageing hardware's limited WiFi compatibility.

PSN Stores first noted the strange change, and debunked a theory that the problem was related to a maximum number of installs.

Sony is yet to respond to requests for comment.

Firmware 4.00 preps the PlayStation 3 to serve as a hub for the Vita, which releases in Japan this weekend.

Thanks, Shack.