We’re well used to PlayStation 3 firmware updates by now, and they’ve really improved the speed with which they download and install. So, you might just press your way through the options and prompts and get the new firmware installed as swiftly as you can so that you can get into your games. But, we’re hearing troubling reports that might mean it’s best to hold off on the update for a while.
There have been plenty of reports on the US PlayStation support forums (I assume most of Europe is still asleep) of the update bricking PS3s. For clarity: It appears that this update is completely killing some PlayStation 3 consoles. Do not download and install it until we get the all clear.
The update is mostly for stability purposes, although it also allows users to switch off trophy notifications. It’s not like it’s a big loss to wait a couple of days while Sony investigates and fixes this potential problem. Don’t forget that if you’re a PS Plus subscriber, you might have your console set to auto download and install these updates too – it might be worth digging into your settings (Settings > System Settings > Automatic Update > Off) and switching that off.
Update: Looking into this a little deeper, it seems like it’s mostly PS3s with 750GB and 1TB hard drives that are being stricken. So it might be an issue with larger, self-installed drives. Still, better safe than sorry.
Source: US PS Support
Starman
Typical Sony not testing fw updates again.
Motalla
Wardy77, watch out, don’t do it. You are the 1 TB-man.
Wardy-77-
Don’t worry Motalla all is well she’s still 4.41 checked earlier ;)
FluBBa
Hmmm, got a 750GB HDD… might have to wait for this to be cleared up, don’t want to mess with my play through of TLoU.
gaffers101
My PS3 auto-updated and installed last night, seems to be working ok this morning. Phew!
JR.
Thanks for the heads up. Planning on playing The Last of Us this weekend and a broken ps3 would be very inconvenient.
Kevatron400
Ah, I’m glad I read this. Plus downloaded my firmware update overnight, and I only didn’t install it this morning because I forgot it didn’t install automatically.
Eldave0
Testament to why this “auto update” stuff next-gen might be a bad idea. I don’t know about anyone else but I always do a quick google search before applying any PS3/360 updates just to be safe.
Kitch
Luckily for me my internet is running at a snails pace so my downloads from last night are still coming down. I’ll sidestep this update for now.
blarty
Bricked console but able to repair the damage done at a later date by applying custom firmware from a USB stick is still better than Internet Explorer…..
hazelam
has there been an official response from Sony yet?
i reading the thread, but there’s 70 odd pages. O_O
i’ve got a 320 gig, so i don’t know if i’d be ok, is it just the size or the fact it’s not the original dirve the PS3 came with?
either way i think i’ll wait a bit, i can live without online for a day or two.
mind you, i just checked, either the update was optional, or they’ve taken it down, because i signed in just fine.
anyway, hopefully this can be fixed for those who have been affected.
from what i’ve read in the thread, it seems like there is a way to install a new update even if you are affected.
something about holding the power button down bringing up a sort of safe mode where you can install a new firmware update.
i was kind a hoping this update would fix the slow arse store, but now i just hope when they do put the new version out it works.