Best Buy has defended itself against media criticism that it tacks an extra $30 onto PS3s with updated firmware. The retailer calls it a valuable service for "those customers who do want help" downloading the firmware. Yeah, it makes ourheads explode too.
Above: This is just ridiculous
For an extra 10% on top of the PS3 purchase price, users get to "play all Blu-ray movies & PS3 games,"eliminate "all bugs & glitches," and enjoy"improved system settings." Of course, anyone with half (read: one tenth) of a brain knows that the PS3 firmware willupdate the moment it touches an internet connection. In fact, it's so easy to update the PS3's firmware, you don't have a choice in the matter.And if you have no intention of taking your PS3 online, you probably don't need the latest firmware anyway.
Above: Geek Squad, getting scummier and scummier every day
That is, unless you're one of the few people who wants to watch Blu-ray 3D movies and has no idea how to plug an Ethernet cable intoa PS3. Other than that, PS3 firmware upgrades are almost always tied to online features. In other words, if it's not inconceivably clear, this may be the least useful service Geek Squad has ever offered. Yet Best Buy stands by this store's decision to try to rip off confused customers.
"While many gamers can handle firmware upgrades easily on their own, those customers who do want help can get it from Geek Squad, and we continue to evaluate this offering to ensure it meets their needs," said a spokesperson for the retailer.
What's next? A $50 fee to plugthe power cord into the back of your Xbox 360?
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