PS4 firmware 1.51 available for download from Thursday lunchtime

PlayStation 4 soon-to-be owners will be able to pre-download the latest firmware ahead of launch day, potentially speeding things up on launch day.

Sony's Chris Owen said on Twitter that the firmware will be available on the UK and European PlayStation sites from lunchtime on Thursday.

If you grab it early and pop it on a USB drive, you won't have to wait once you get your box home after the midnight launch - the PSN is likely to be a bit overburdened if everyone signs on at the same time. This will also allow you to use new features introduced in the latest firmware updates even if you can't get online immediately.

Sony recommends you use a firmware downloaded from your own regional PlayStation site for best results.

Update 1.51 includes all the vital features introduced in 1.50 plus a few interface updates. Version 1.51 went live just before US launch, and is necessary for Blu-ray playback and online features.

The PlayStation 4 launches in Europe and further selected territories on November 29.

Thanks, Polygon.