Reports are flowing in that sony's most recent firmware update is bricking both builds of consoles.

The issue begins after the update, usually with a noticeable lag on the XMB. Other errors include the inability to downloading content from the PSN, being kicked off the PSN after the update directly after signing in, and crashing during Blu-ray movie and game playback.

The original intent for this update was to integrate support for the upcoming Playstation Vita handheld console, but it brought along with it these errors.

Some have even reported their consoles were bricking, or suffering from corrupted hard disk drives, and even the return of the dreaded yellow light of death.

I am one of these victims myself, having witnessed my PS3 Slim 320 GB model die, following this update.


There are now support tickets open on the Playstation community website, and the news is circulating around the web. One such article can be seen here: http://www.gamezone.com/news/users-report-system-freeze-after-recent-ps3-4-0-update

Part of this article reads: "The 4.00 system software update did include a number of changes including the ability to disable the automatic update feature, new PSN settings, and a few hidden changes as well.

What they didn't include in their update was the chance that it COULD cause your PlayStation 3 to freeze. Fans have reported system freezes with their console since updating to 4.00 on the official PlayStation forums.

"I updated to 4.0 and now when I fast forward (also called wait in game) time then enter a building in skyrim, it freezes the system," explained one fan about his experiences with popular RPG, Skyrim after the update.

Others have reported similar issues, particularly with Skyrim.

"I'm having the same issue. I have formatted the PS3 twice now, but it hasn't gotten any better. Quite frustrating." - GeneQuagmire

Other users are saying that the 4.00 update is crashing at 50% during the install and that game discs are failing to be read. As of right now, these seem to be isolated incidents. Sony has yet to release any information about possible causes."

I called Sony's support line regarding the matter, and they kindly offered to repair my console...for the average repair rate of $100.00!

Be warned, this firmware update may contain unusual bugs that can cause serious damage to your console.

So my fellow AW members, have you experienced any significant errors or changes in performance since this firmware update?


*update* below are three support tickets detailing known issues with the new firmware.

http://community.us.playstation.com/thread/3911102?start=60&tstart=0

http://community.us.playstation.com/message/36458538#36458538

http://community.us.playstation.com/message/36469384#36469384

Don't you always manually update? So I don't plan on updating till this is fixed which it better be soon. Nonetheless stuff like this really shouldn't happen. I'm disappointed.

I usually do, but even the manual update seems broken as of late.

More on this can be found in my blog too. gaaah, i really hate Sony's new marketing/ customer support approach.

*news update!*

Sony refuses to refund anyone who suffers from a destroyed console, even if they are unable to play the games they purchased and the console was destroyed by their own updates.

Below is a letter i received from a Sony representative, following the destruction of my game console.

Dear TIMOTHY,
Thank you for your recent call to Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Consumer Services.
We are unable to process your request for a refund on the PlayStation® Network.
According to our Terms of Service, all sales are final.
For more information please check the Terms of Service and User Agreement.
If you have questions, please contact a PlayStation® specialist at (866) 286-5123.
We are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Pacific Time.
Please reference your Service Request number when you call for immediate assistance.

With regards,

The PlayStation® Consumer Services Team

What a bunch of rude customer "service" people! I say the only ones they have serviced are themselves in this case, and i'm switching to both microsoft and nintendo consoles next generation.

Trust me you'll have a lot of problems with Microsoft as well. Personally I'll just stick with my PS3 since I have 2 of them anyway. Sorry but customer service never meant much to be since I've never had much problems. Though I agree that it's bad.