Last week panic struck the console gaming space when Sony’s firmware update made PlayStation 3’s unusable. After console owners updated to the newest firmware the device became like a zombie. Unresponsive PlayStation 3 ‘s were scattered across the world in households that are reliant on the PlayStation as a form of entertainment.
Sony posted the following resource for users affected by firmware 4.45:
Step 1: Manually Download System Software
You will need a USB Mass Storage device such as a USB flash drive with at least 168 MB of free space. If your PS3 is either CECHA00/CECHB00 series model, you can also use Memory Stick™, SD Memory Card, and CompactFlash.
Create a folder named “PS3” on the storage media or USB device.
Within the PS3 folder, create a folder named “UPDATE”.
Using your computer, click the following hyperlink to begin downloading system software 4.46
Download the update data from the webpage and save it in the “UPDATE” folder.
Location: Save in the “PS3” folder > “UPDATE” folderStep 2: Activate Safe Mode
With the PS3 off (power light should be red), touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep indicating that the PS3 is powering on.
Continue to hold the power button, and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear a 2nd beep.
Step 3: Manually Update PS3 SoftwareConnect the storage media to PS3 system.
Select [6 – System Update] and Press X.
Please note: Data and settings may be deleted if you choose any of the first (5) options. Please make sure to only choose option [6 – System Update].The system will now install the new system software and restart automatically upon completion.
Owners have been asked to consult the PlayStation support website for further information.
The above is one of the fastest resolutions of a firmware issue that I have seen in any industry. It is very good to see that Sony still cares about PS3. I wonder in which part of the world the first instance of this issue was seen? Japan anyone?
By uploading and installing Firmware v 4.46 the zombie PlayStation’s become operational again. Is this the future of console gaming?
