It's download day for portable gamers as both 3DS and the Playstation Vita have released new firmware updates.
The 3DS firmware update adds a feature promised a while back in the last Direct relating to Streetpass called Streetpass Relay. Now, whenever a 3DS owner passes by a Nintendo Zone location, their Mii data gets left behind in a Streetpass Relay point to be collected by other users. In this way, you can collect Miis even if you live somewhere were there aren't as many people with other Miis, to interact with in ways such as the new Streetplaza games.
On the side, hackers have confirmed that once again the latest update acts to lockout potential 3DS flashcarts. It is presumed this is what Nintendo alludes to when they mention minor adjustments to enhance the user experience.
The Vita firmware update adds several features, most notably allowing you to hide trophies. The menu also gets additional buttons you can easily access with a press of the PS button. Saved data can also be uploaded and downloaded online with a press of Playstation Plus button, a significant improvement especially if you don't have one of their bigger, pricier proprietary memory cards. Finally, they've moved [Devices] under [Settings], and [Bluetooth Settings] itself under [Devices].
Of course, both systems cite improved usability with their respective updates, which is now par for the course when it comes to modern day consoles. Sony and Nintendo have done a good job of hampering piracy/hacking of their respective portables so far thanks to their frequent updates. Hackers may eventually find their way around all of it, but hopefully long after such hacks would matter.
