March 9, 2011January 10, 2019

Online Storage for Game Saves Coming to PlayStation Plus

Hey everyone – We’ve got an exciting new feature coming exclusively to PlayStation Plus subscribers. Included in the system software update (v3.60) coming tomorrow to PS3, PlayStation Network’s new online storage for game saves feature gives PlayStation Plus subscribers the capability to back up game save data to the cloud. Online storage for game saves is a great way for PlayStation Plus subscribers to ensure that their data files are secure and also for users who wish to access their files from other PS3 systems.

The new online storage feature allows gamers to store up to 150MB of game save data and a maximum of 1000 data files per PSN account. Users also have the ability to back-up “copy-prohibited save data,” and all previously saved data may be restored once per 24 hour period. When the new feature launches, most PS3 titles will be compatible with online storage for game saves, and moving forward, all new titles will have the capability to offer the storage option.

As I mentioned before, online storage for game saves functionality is included automatically for PlayStation Plus subscribers with system software update (v3.60), which will be available on March 10, 2011, and users can access their stored data on the XMB at any time. Additionally, users who save their files to the cloud can access their data on any PS3, using their PSN sign-in ID.

PlayStation Plus subscribers should turn on the auto-download feature to ensure that the update will begin downloading as soon as it’s available, so you can start backing up your game saves right away. If you aren’t already a PlayStation Plus subscriber, be sure to check out our bi-weekly post highlighting the free games, discounts and exciting exclusives we offer, in addition to the upcoming online storage for game saves feature.

Other minor features will also be added via system software update (v3.60). For more information please visit http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps3/ once the update is live.

Comments are closed.

433 Comments

Gas0linE
March 9, 2011 at 9:54 am PST

Before you all get too excited, Lets see if the folks over at PSN actually get it to work right. More than likely its going to be a mess, considering the current state of the PSN itslef. I will beleive it when I see it actually work.
Link01
March 9, 2011 at 9:54 am PST

Just out of curiosity, when you turn on the Auto Download feature.. does your ps3 LITERALLY turn on *like the green light goes on and the CPU runs * to check for downloads or does it do a sleep mode check where the CPU is off and the red light is on?
Enforcer_X
March 9, 2011 at 9:55 am PST

Will this work for us with 60GB models to backup PS1 and PS2 memory cards as well?
Also it wasn’t clear if this will automatically backup the saves, if not an auto backup feature should be added, I am paying for PS+ after all.
BloodiedWraith
March 9, 2011 at 9:55 am PST

This is the best news all week. Finally!
SPOOKULA209
March 9, 2011 at 9:55 am PST

it took 4 years but still glad it’s finally there
The1stMJC
March 9, 2011 at 9:56 am PST

Awesome now I must decide on if I should grab a PSN+ sub
KAPADO
March 9, 2011 at 9:56 am PST

Ha ha , take that lil people without Playstation plus . Let’s all point at them and laugh.
dh4645
March 9, 2011 at 9:57 am PST

Users also have the ability to back-up “copy-prohibited save data,”

is the best part. those do restore if u do a full system backup/restore (like i did when i upgraded to 500 GB), but u can’t save those individual save files. so if u didnt recently do a full backup and your ps3 dies, then you lost all that progress since the last backup.

hopefully i’ll never have to use it, but its nice to have
Groovy341
March 9, 2011 at 9:57 am PST

Probably one of my most sought after features. This is fantastic news.
beastbarbour
March 9, 2011 at 9:57 am PST

this is what im talking about sony keep it up good job!
guitarded77
March 9, 2011 at 9:58 am PST

Nice… Off to the cloud!!!!
Superstrokey1123
March 9, 2011 at 9:58 am PST

5 quick questions.

1. will this work with PS1 games?
2. How do we manage what is on the online service?
3. Can we set it up so that all the games save to both HDD and the cloud at the same time?
4. What if my PS+ subscription lapses? How long do I have to recover them or resubscribe before they are gone?
5. I have several PS3s in my house, can all of them upload to the service and pull from it? (i know you say ever 24 hours but for the sake of clarity is that to one unit or to any unit?)

Really love the feature though guys. Definately happy with this
- Karen Spearrin
  March 9, 2011 at 11:02 am PST
  
  Currently, online storage for game saves only supports PS3 games, and you can manage your save data through the Save Data Utility, which exists under the Game icon on your XMB.
  
  You will back-up your game save data manually by going through the Save Data Utility under the Game icon on your XMB, so game saves to your HDD will function normally.
  
  You can access your game save data from a different PS3, as long as you use the same PSN sign-in ID.
FATHASUN
March 9, 2011 at 10:02 am PST

No more running up and down from the Living room to the bedroom with a USB.

Ms. Panico, or anyone who can answer the question that has been asked a couple of times above. If the Plus subscription expires will users have access to their save files? There should at least be a grace period for users to save them on their PS3. Don’t just cut people off.

Personally would pay for a lifetime subscription but not everyone will do so. Especially if it included the PS Protection Plan on all my PS3s. Look into it Sony. A PlayStation Elite Membership. Qriocity, Unlimited access to PS Store, Movies and services. Hmmmm……
TruRage
March 9, 2011 at 10:02 am PST

@ 50

The system will turn on meaning the light will turn green, but I think It operates with mininum OS functions. Also, it doesn’t beep when it turns on.
Jerel
March 9, 2011 at 10:03 am PST

This is going to make upgrading to a larger HDD so much easier… Thanks Sony! ^^
dime5150
March 9, 2011 at 10:04 am PST

Really Sony. You are going to charge for this… Save data per game is what about 1meg each? sheesh.

This would have saved me a lot of headache when my faulty PS3 up and died (like many others have) and had to buy a new one because I don’t feel like paying 100 dollars less to get another broken used PS3 from Sony. I had to start games all over.
polo155
March 9, 2011 at 10:06 am PST

this is very nice, the PS3 is full steam ahead and it’s looking great i just had a lil ps3 meeting with some friends in my House and i was telling them the ps3 purchase i had them make will be bring more things this year whereas the other box has slowed and they too realise this

One Question: If i went to a friends house and went to use my save as i sign in on his system do i have to “Activate” his system because i dont want to lose any of my 5 activations… i dont want issues because the DRM for my Movies/Games

Thanks Susan! polo155
Enforcer_X
March 9, 2011 at 10:07 am PST

Also wanted to note that I think the size limit is weak as I have over 200MB of save data and the 24 hour limit thing I don’t see a reason for.
I have 3 systems in my house I should be able to play on any one of them at anytime I want with the latest save data I need.
YungShep
March 9, 2011 at 10:07 am PST

@ 50 (Link01) yeah it freakishly cuts on and just download then randomly goes off when the download/patch is done. its an awesome feature if you dont download as quick as the store updates, and it patches anygame u load that may require a patch. example i was gonna play WIPEOUT HD ON Sunday, it had a patch i think for 3D and it was required to update, i simply quit the game and later that night it started to download the patch for me automatically when i woke up it was ready for me to play without wait. ITS AN AWESOME FEATURE.
divisortheory
March 9, 2011 at 10:08 am PST

Are the cloud-based saves simply a *copy* of the local saves, or are they the only save? Because what happens when your PS+ subscription lapses? Are all your save files deleted?

If it additionally saves a local copy, then this shouldn’t be an issue, but if it does not save a local copy, then this would be a problem.
megamixer
March 9, 2011 at 10:08 am PST

PS3 only? Not PS1/PS2/PSP game saves stored on our PS3/PSPs?
- Karen Spearrin
  March 9, 2011 at 11:03 am PST
  
  Currently, online storage for game saves only supports PS3 games.
YungShep
March 9, 2011 at 10:09 am PST

i still have my 60gb ps3 it dont read disc no more, i think my nephew broke it, it was very freakish how it all of a sudden stopped playing games..smh now im a 320gb owner, still miss the fatty and plan to get it fixed.
RavageHeitaro
March 9, 2011 at 10:11 am PST

Sweet!! PSN+ is really showing its worth lately
Tank_Baked
March 9, 2011 at 10:12 am PST

from the EU blog

If your PlayStation Plus subscription expires then you will no longer be able to access Online Storage until you renew your subscription. However, any game saves stored will be kept for six months and you will be able to access them as before when you renew the subscription, as long as you do so within that six month period.

Also only ps3 saves at the moment .
Stellazira
March 9, 2011 at 10:13 am PST

Lame.

Steam does it for free.
dragonmagician
March 9, 2011 at 10:15 am PST

Need more information:
1. Does it backup to the Clouds automatically? or is there something you need to do?
2. Does it still save locally?
3. What games are NOT compatible with this?
4. What happens when PS+ expires, do all my saves disappear?
5. If I use up my 150MB, how do I manage my Cloud saves?

…and many more.
Solid-Snake-Eyes
March 9, 2011 at 10:17 am PST

I love PSN and buying content on there but I’m nervous about what might happen if I lose 5 system activations and therefore all my content. I have my account activated on my own console and on my brother’s which I play on from time to time. Both of our PS3s have died but we managed to repair them and deactivate them before buying new ones. So I could have been down to 3 activations left, it makes me hesitant to continue buying from the Playstation store.
YungShep
March 9, 2011 at 10:19 am PST

@ 72 everybody dont have steam!
rbanke
March 9, 2011 at 10:19 am PST

Awesome. I’ve been hoping this rumor was true. I have two ps3’s and one gets no game time because its a hassle to move saves. Can we get some clarification on this:

” and all previously saved data may be restored once per 24 hour period”

Is this just refering to restoring all saves? Or does that mean you can only move from one ps3 to another once within a 24h period?
- Karen Spearrin
  March 9, 2011 at 11:18 am PST
  
  Each piece of save data can only be restored once in each 24 hour period. However, if you’ve progressed in a game and backed-up the new data to the cloud, that’s considered a new piece of save data.
NeoHumpty
March 9, 2011 at 10:20 am PST

Aren’t most game saves around 7000K? 150MB doesn’t sound like very much room for long term saves.

Also, am I correct in thinking that only the account with the + membership will be able to use this feature? If so, that leaves everyone else in the house left out of it.

I appreciate what it is and like being a +member, but I think that maybe this feature should be offered separately for any PSN account to purchase from the store. IDK, $5 per each 150MB “block” you want for that account, maybe?
megamixer
March 9, 2011 at 10:21 am PST

*looks at echochrome save file*

26mb… hm. Only 150mb you say?

*looks at Afrika save file*

387mb… uhhh.

Yup. You know its a new PS3 feature when not every game supports it (in-game music, screenshots, video recording…). In any case this is worthless all the same, since as with any PS+ in general you’ll only be able to back up the saves of the account + is linked to, rather than all user accounts on your console. Shame. Try a little harder next time Sony.
NamesIrish13
March 9, 2011 at 10:23 am PST

This is one of the best PS Plus Features. I have wanted this for so long it is scary!
kivi95
March 9, 2011 at 10:23 am PST

60# I no some of does questions.

1.no
2.cant answer
3.no but maybe for the next update.
4.6 months
5.cant answer
SpyDudeFX
March 9, 2011 at 10:25 am PST

1. You will need a PlayStation Plus PSN account and access to the Internet to use this function.
2. PS1,PS2,PSP and minis save data cannot be backed up.
3. Data will be kept for a maximum of 6 months from the end of your PlayStation Plus membership.
4. You can access your data on online storage, if you become a PlayStation Plus member again within 6 months (using the same PSN account).
5. The process for backing up saves cannot be used on the in-game XMB.
6. You can back up your data to Online Storage as often as you wish, however you may only restore data to your PS3 from online storage once every 24 hours.
7. The Online Storage option will still be displayed in your menu if you are offline, even if you are not a PlayStation Plus member.
SpyDudeFX
March 9, 2011 at 10:25 am PST

To backup Save Game Data to Online Storage:
1. You can back up or copy the save by navigating to the ‘GAME’ icon > scroll through the options until you are on ‘SAVE DATA UTILITY (PS3)’ > Press X
2. Select the save you wish to backup press the triangle button and select ‘COPY’
3. You will be asked to select the destination of the back up save, navigate to the new option ‘ONLINE STORAGE’ and press X to copy over.

To restore Save Game Data from Online Storage:
1. Go to ‘GAME’ icon, select ‘SAVE DATA UTILITY’ and then ‘ONLINE STORAGE’
2. Highlight the saved data you wish to copy.
3. Press triangle and select ‘COPY’ to retrieve the save.

That’s all the info from the official manual.
pickupdoctor
March 9, 2011 at 10:26 am PST

Oh yeah, this is a welcome feature, keep it coming PS3. I hope I can have this feature automated, I don’t really want to backup each save 1 at a time to the cloud, I play to many games at a time and have many saves on my PS3.
VixDiesel
March 9, 2011 at 10:27 am PST

So I have to play 50 bucks just to be able to recover saves that I should be able to back up to a flash drive but can’t since dev’s locked them?

Cloud saving is a good idea I guess but it’s still not enough for me to jump to Plus.

I just want cross game chat that isn’t restricted to Plus users.
Solid-Snake-Eyes
March 9, 2011 at 10:28 am PST

@74 Continued… so I forgot the reason I brought up my activation concern, I like this cloud feature but I would really like a system deactivation feature that we could use to manually deactivate all systems associated with our account.
Mobius_124
March 9, 2011 at 10:28 am PST

THANK YOU!!! these were one of the features that i waited for sooo long!!! I just hope that Demon’s Souls is compatible for this feature.
gravediggaz79
March 9, 2011 at 10:30 am PST

I wish they would spend more time on a feature that really matters like in-game chat or the ability to change your PSN ID. And also what happens to your files if your PS Plus subscription expires? That must mean you better back up your files before it expires or you’re screwed.
arkard1000
March 9, 2011 at 10:31 am PST

well, i don’t know what to say…
plaztiksyke
March 9, 2011 at 10:33 am PST

Please tell me there’s a browser update to Chrome, already. The browser simply doesn’t work on any sites anymore.

Also, for 3D Bluray titles, it would be really nice if it transcoded DTS-HD MA to DTS-HD HR @ 1.5mbit/sec, instead of just regular DTS. Similarly, please transcode Dolby TrueHD to DD+. If I wanted 3D content with 20 year old audio codecs, I’d use an Xbox 360.

Thanks!
SEVIREDgamer
March 9, 2011 at 10:37 am PST

Gotta update once i get back stateside! This is awesome news.
LUGIEZ
March 9, 2011 at 10:38 am PST

Nice, good thing to have for PS Plus, and Brando, PS Plus isn’t steam why would they copy their operations?

@50 as well you are not signed into PSN when updating, unless you abort it, the ps3 will automatically stay on and stop the update until the next days usual update time.
TheCraZyCloWn
March 9, 2011 at 10:39 am PST

Thanks for the quick reply! This is amazing but if you can hire more staff and implement more premium features faster in order to sell more of Plus; think outside the box and offer services no one else offers and you’ll have a goldmine
Richlando
March 9, 2011 at 10:40 am PST

I have a Plus sub. and while I like the idea of cloud saves on the PS3 I don’t see the point of having to maintain my sub. to access my saves when I need to. Meh..theres a workaround for everything these days.
LpSquall
March 9, 2011 at 10:42 am PST

Thanks for the amazing feature. I have one question though. When we load a game, is it going to read it from the hard drive or the cloud?
- Karen Spearrin
  March 9, 2011 at 11:22 am PST
  
  If you want to access game save data from the cloud, you need to do it manually:
  
  To copy:
  1. Select [Game] > [Save Data Utility] > [Online Storage]
  2. Focus on the save data you wish to copy.
  3. Open up an option menu using “triangle” and select [copy].
MarkakaJin
March 9, 2011 at 10:46 am PST

That’s really cool but the maximum storage of 150mb isn’t enough. Why can’t it be 1 or 2GB?
DZORMAGEN
March 9, 2011 at 10:47 am PST

This is really really awesome!

PS I love you :)
Jeigh
March 9, 2011 at 10:47 am PST

@86 Gravediggaz79

I stopped reading your comment at ‘in-game chat.’ That’s the most moronic feature I’ve ever heard hundreds of people whine about for so long.

That’s not a “feature that matters,” it’s a pet obsession. Hell, most people don’t use headsets AT ALL.

The current messaging system is already disruptive enough without one of my friends wanting to chat while I’m trying to fight a boss battle.