Firmware 3.00 for Sony's PlayStation 3 has finally gone live. It is to be mandatory but as of this post I have not been prompted to download it but I suppose you have to restart your PS3 for the prompt to be shown. A quick check through the XMB update feature will reveal the firmware for download directly to your PS3, otherwise follow the links provided below and download according to whether you are PAL or NTSC.

Ever since PS3 Firmware 3.0 was first announced at GamesCom 2009 excitement has been culminating for the update's release.

Even Sony's Eric Lempel stated that it will indeed be the last major PS3 Firmware update of the year.

Those wondering what changes PS3 Firmware 3.0 brings to the table can check out the details direct from Sony.

Finally, for those who don't use the PS3 System Software Updater, you can now download the mandatory PS3 Firmware 3.0 update below for both the PS3 and PS3 Slim directly- cheers!

Download: PS3 Firmware 3.0 Update (US) / PS3 Firmware 3.0 Update (EU)

Source: PS3News

Details of what the update will include can be found in this earlier blog post

Instructions for installation can be found here if needed. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see links for system update, pc update or update using disc media.