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An error is crippling PS3 consoles worldwide, preventing them from playing certain games.  (Source: Kotaku)
Both online and offline gameplay is affected for some titles, Sony is looking into it

The bad news is that owners of older Playstation 3 units may find themselves unable to play a variety of games due to a bug in the console firmware or software.  The good news is that Sony is on top of the problem and working towards a solution.

Jeff Rubenstein, Sony's Social Media Manager posted an official blog yesterday night, stating:

We’re aware that many of you are having difficulty connecting to the PlayStation Network this evening. Those of you with “slim” PS3s (the 120/250 GB models) appear to be unaffected.
Know that we have narrowed down the issue and have engineers working to restore service even as you read this. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, and genuinely appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this.
In the meantime, you may want to follow our Twitter account for the latest updates.

The latest Twitter updates from Sony say that the new "Slim" models are not affected -- that the problem is only impacting older units.

The problem was first noticed over the weekend when gamers worldwide became unable to sign into their accounts, check their trophies, use dynamic themes, or access the PlayStation Network.  Games that use dynamic trophy support like Heavy Rain and PSN games like "Flower" are reportedly unplayable offline as well.  Trying to load the game generates an error message which then returns the user to the console's main menu screen.

Those who have not connected their consoles to the internet may be able to temporarily safeguard themselves by keeping their consoles offline until a fix is reached.

Even game developers were affected by the bug.  According to Kotaku, among the first sources to report on the problems, debug consoles are having the same sort of issues affecting consumer consoles.

Updated 3/1/10 @ 1:34 pm

Sony has provided more details on what appears to be a problem with the PS3's internal clock. Sony issues this warning:

We hope to resolve this problem within the next 24 hours. In the meantime, if you have a model other than the new slim PS3, we advise that you do not use your PS3 system, as doing so may result in errors in some functionality, such as recording obtained trophies, and not being able to restore certain data. 

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Spelling error
By pwndcake on 3/1/10, Rating: 0
RE: Spelling error
By StevoLincolnite on 3/1/2010 11:24:21 AM , Rating: 3
I honestly do not understand why some people are so upset over a simple spelling/grammar error.

Did you konw taht the mtirojay of plpoee can raed tihs? The hmuan mnid is anazimg and ptrety mcuh wkors it all out for iletsf.


RE: Spelling error
By Ardan on 3/1/2010 11:42:41 AM , Rating: 3
I suspect that he was just pointing it out to be helpful, kind of like when I notice spelling or grammatical errors in a co-worker's company email or memo. I don't think most people are actually getting upset over it, but I'm sure some out there would.


RE: Spelling error
By Tyhr on 3/1/2010 11:45:12 AM , Rating: 4
quote:
I honestly do not understand why some people are so upset over a simple spelling/grammar error.
I'm not sure where you saw the "so upset" emotional attachment to his comment. The user merely pointed out a grammatical mistake on a news based website.

If you truly do not "honestly understand" why some people correct such things, I shall explain: any media based on news (and desiring trust for such news) will be critiqued based on the facts reported, spelling and grammar. Overall presentation will also be judged (such as cases where clothing is applicable...although I did applaud the efforts of Naked News).

Other times this is done purely as an anti-authoritarian response or an attempt to make oneself feel superior without actually doing the real work.

quote:
Did you konw taht the mtirojay of plpoee can raed tihs? The hmuan mnid is anazimg and ptrety mcuh wkors it all out for iletsf.
This is one of the most entertaining things I read this morning. Thank you :)


RE: Spelling error
By StevoLincolnite on 3/1/10, Rating: 0
RE: Spelling error
By porkpie on 3/1/2010 1:58:46 PM , Rating: 3
"Did you konw taht the mtirojay of plpoee can raed tihs? The hmuan mnid is anazimg and ptrety mcuh wkors it all out for iletsf."

Did you realize that no one can read the above as fast and accurately as they can properly spelled and formatted text?

The rules of grammar and style exist for good reason. They aren't just toys for the anal (though we do enjoy them, I admit).


RE: Spelling error
By geddarkstorm on 3/1/2010 2:14:33 PM , Rating: 3
Actually, I uh.. had no trouble reading that at full speed; I had to go back and look again to see how he'd misspelled everything <.<


RE: Spelling error
By StevoLincolnite on 3/2/2010 7:11:58 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Actually, I uh.. had no trouble reading that at full speed; I had to go back and look again to see how he'd misspelled everything <.<


It was harder for me to type that, than read it. :P


RE: Spelling error
By theapparition on 3/1/2010 2:59:35 PM , Rating: 4
quote:
They aren't just toys for the anal (though we do enjoy them, I admit).

Ok then. Whatever floats your boat.


RE: Spelling error
By Camikazi on 3/1/2010 3:26:12 PM , Rating: 3
I can read that as fast as I can a correctly written sentence. Really it's not hard, dunno why you can't :P


RE: Spelling error
By SPOOFE on 3/1/2010 3:34:26 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
The rules of grammar and style exist for good reason.

Must not be a good reason if the English language has so many exceptions to those rules.


RE: Spelling error
By johnsonx on 3/1/2010 4:23:46 PM , Rating: 2
That text is actually something of an intelligence test. Porkpie can't read it as well as I and others can. Hmmmm....


RE: Spelling error
By The0ne on 3/1/2010 5:09:59 PM , Rating: 2
Yep, no problem here as well. I don't know about you guys but these similar tests were done way back in elementary schools :)


RE: Spelling error
By Samus on 3/2/2010 11:53:17 AM , Rating: 1
People who unneccessarily point out spelling errors are those pushy types that usually beat their tied up girlfriends in the bedroom closet with a coat hanger...

STOP BEING THOSE PEOPLE.


RE: Spelling error
By chaos386 on 3/1/2010 11:46:08 AM , Rating: 5
RE: Spelling error
By greylica on 3/1/2010 11:47:06 AM , Rating: 2
While you are struggling to prove the spelling error, the world ''Older'' implies that something was made to fit only ''New'' PS3s. This temporal ''words'' are the real thing to worry about...


RE: Spelling error
By amanojaku on 3/1/2010 11:57:12 AM , Rating: 2
I'll worry about temporal words when they start leaking chronometric particles.


RE: Spelling error
By aharris on 3/1/2010 7:15:24 PM , Rating: 3
Fantastic article. I choose to remain a spelling/grammar Nazi because of the various text messages/emails I receive from my younger cousins and brother.

Example: "If u dont no, mikl jaksn died of cardiac arrest this aftrnoon"

Interpretation: My very intelligent 12 year old brother (whom I love) can spell 'cardiac arrest' just fine, but he can't manage an apostrophe in "dont" or an 'e' in "aftrnoon." Don't get me started on the name...

Example #2: "My mom and i jst drv bi th bst buy in grgtwn and ther r peopl cmping out nxt 2 th stor"

Interpretation: /wrist.

Sure people liken those of us who are self-proclaimed 'grammar police' to 'mall cops.' But unless we want to see the written English language turn to complete shit, I think pointing out spelling and grammatical errors in publications a necessary evil.


RE: Spelling error
By Ralos on 3/1/2010 12:14:26 PM , Rating: 2
Does he seemed that upset to you? He's just pointing out an error, not making a big issue about it.


RE: Spelling error
By StevoLincolnite on 3/1/2010 12:25:14 PM , Rating: 1
quote:
Does he seemed that upset to you?


I didn't specifically aim my statement at him did I?


RE: Spelling error
By adiposity on 3/1/2010 2:00:41 PM , Rating: 3
quote:

quote: Does he seemed that upset to you?

I didn't specifically aim my statement at him did I?


You certainly implied it, and did so in a direct response to his comment. Stop being disingenuous.


RE: Spelling error
By StevoLincolnite on 3/2/2010 7:10:46 AM , Rating: 1
Well that's your opinion and you're entitled to it, however with text it is rather difficult to understand someones "Tone" and hence things can come of differently than what was originally intentioned.

Still my point stands... Who cares about a single spelling mistake in an article? I sure as hell don't.


RE: Spelling error
By XtAzY on 3/1/2010 2:40:45 PM , Rating: 1
Then he should have contacted Jason privately through the Contact form, not as comments. It's a waste of time reading people pointing out spelling mistakes. I rather read actual discussions of the article, not discussions of spelling/grammar mistakes.


RE: Spelling error
By pwndcake on 3/1/2010 6:10:34 PM , Rating: 2
I wasn't aware there was a way to privately contact the author. Thanks for pointing that out. I have seen other posters pointing out spelling errors and assumed it was an a common way of letting whoever has the power to change it know it was there. It was a small, but glaring, mistake, and one I thought the author or editor might want to fix.


RE: Spelling error
By Mitch101 on 3/1/2010 12:25:50 PM , Rating: 1
.esaC ruoY nI pleH taerG fO eB doulW kcehC llepS


RE: Spelling error
By Camikazi on 3/1/2010 3:27:56 PM , Rating: 2
Hey someone from the mirror world, always wanted to meet someone from there :)


RE: Spelling error
By messyunkempt on 3/1/10, Rating: 0
RE: Spelling error
By rcc on 3/1/2010 3:34:35 PM , Rating: 1
You could also eat only rice for dinner every day of the week. But why would you want to if you had a choice.

If your favorite music group put out a song with a bad note in it, would that be ok? (alright, I realize that with some types of music it really doesn't matter, but........ )

etc. etc. Is it a world stopping problem? No. But many people will assume that it is either a sign of your ability, or lack there of, or of your consideration to your audience, or lack there of.

In general I don't see people commenting here, unless the error potentially changes to the meaning of the sentence.


RE: Spelling error
By The0ne on 3/1/2010 5:07:05 PM , Rating: 2
Until he gives you sht for doing the same thing he does day in/out :) What a ironic moron Jason truly is.


RE: Spelling error
By Drag0nFire on 3/1/2010 9:02:05 PM , Rating: 5
Not to mention that if any of us made this many errors in our day jobs, we would be on the street faster than you could blink.

Imagine:
- a physician who misdiagnoses his patients
- a pharmacist who gives out the wrong medications
- an programmer who leaves bugs in every program

I could go on. But the point remains that Jason Mick is (arguably) a professional writer, and he SCREWED UP EVEN THE TITLE.


RE: Spelling error
By ApfDaMan on 3/1/2010 10:37:03 PM , Rating: 2
Perhaps he wasnt as careful because the title being misspelled doesnt put anyones life in danger? dumbass.


RE: Spelling error
By B3an on 3/2/2010 12:43:02 AM , Rating: 2
Cannot believe how many responses and arguements have formed over someone pointing out a spelling error.

Can we actually discuss the article itself?! like normal people?

Typical f-ing DT readers, cant believe you lot.


RE: Spelling error
By Tyhr on 3/3/2010 10:42:09 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Imagine: a physician who misdiagnoses his patients
quote:
Imagine: - an programmer who leaves bugs in every program
Both happen quite often actually.

How many times do you hear a patient say "wow, the Dr. knew exactly what was wrong with me and knew how to fix it."?


RE: Spelling error
By Hiawa23 on 3/1/10, Rating: 0
RE: Spelling error
By Ammohunt on 3/1/10, Rating: 0
RE: Spelling error
By walk2k on 3/1/10, Rating: 0
It's a hardware problem.
By Roffles on 3/1/2010 3:17:49 PM , Rating: 5
It's funny how clueless Sony is pretending to be when the problem and solution has already been discovered.

Problem:
The CMOS date/time clock on the main board thinks it should be April 29th. The latest firmware said, "nope, it's the 28th and since we can't agree, let's gimp the system". This theory is supported by the fact that the problem began surfacing right when it reached March 1st 12:00 AM GMT.

Solution:
It's been 100% confirmed that you can fix this problem by disassembling your PS3, unplugging the CMOS battery and then plugging it back in. This will reset the internal clock and get you back to life as usual. If you're under warranty or you're afraid to touch computer hardware, I would wait for Sony to issue an official fix.

Other thoughts:
1. I want to thank the grammar dorks for muddying up another important topic.

2. It's not a playstation network problem because people who's PS3's are not wired are having the same problem.

3. Look for disassembly / assembly instructions on youtube and you will see that it's not difficult to do. As an added bonus, you can dust out the inside which can very likely extend the life of your unit.

4. I do not see how Sony can solve this problem via tweaking the Playstation network because you cannot connect. Sony can probably do the CMOS clock reset via firmware update, but since you can't connect to the network, it will require a manual update using a USB drive, or CF, SD, DVD, CD.




RE: It's a hardware problem.
By Ticholo on 3/1/2010 3:34:56 PM , Rating: 1
"it will require a manual update using a USB drive, or CF, SD, DVD, CD."

I was thinking the same thing, but ooooh!!!! That will be priceless!

BTW, maybe you know more about this, but is the console prevented from connecting to PSN by the PSN servers or by the console itself, like the software detecting something is wrong and doesn't even allow the connection to start?
If it's on the server side then maybe they can come up with a way to allow the PS3s to connect and update/reset clock.
OTOH, people that don't have their PS3s connected to the internet/PSN get screwed. Very bad day(s) for PS3 owners affected by this.


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By Roffles on 3/1/2010 4:11:34 PM , Rating: 2
I don't know, it's a bit of a mystery to me and I'm sort of just relaying the information I've picked up. If current theories are true, it's the console itself that is stopping you from connecting to the PSN as a result of the bad date/time clock.

Even though I call it a "hardware" issue, that's not exactly true because hardware is dumb and needs code to operate. I've also read that the battery itself is for the CMOS clock only and that's why it's an easy fix for the do-it-your-selfer. It's not like you are jumping the CMOS and resetting the whole thing...that would be scary.


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By zaaf on 3/1/2010 3:56:58 PM , Rating: 2
Regarding Number 1 - I completely agree. What a waste of time that was.

Regarding Number 4 - I completely disagree. You can still access the Internet from the PS3. All that is necessary is a download from the web.

That said, i think i will take the path of opening it up myself and cleaning out the dust bunnies whilst i'm in there.


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By Roffles on 3/1/2010 4:24:05 PM , Rating: 1
It all depends on what the 8001050F error code means. All signs are pointing to the 80010 series of error codes being for hardware issues. If that error code is in fact the result of a firmware security protocol, that means our PS3's are bricked.

...worst case scenario.


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By Aloonatic on 3/1/2010 4:33:08 PM , Rating: 2
I thought I might as well check, seeing as I'm home and I can report the following:

It seems that my "fat" PS3 (yeah, kick a console when it's down why don't ya? It's already old, won't connect to PSN and now you're calling if fat. You bully! That's just low and uncalled for) is still able to connect to the internet, and I can access the it through both the browser and the iPlayer link, although that is just a glorified bookmark.

I can't sign into PSN, so no visit to the store, nor can I set the time via the internet. Home will load, but only gets as far as signing into PSN though, then you get the same message as before.


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By afkrotch on 3/1/2010 6:29:05 PM , Rating: 2
Couldn't you just start up the console and change the date/time, then connect to PSN?


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By zaaf on 3/1/2010 6:48:41 PM , Rating: 2
Nope. Tried that. Didn't work. :(


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By chagrinnin on 3/1/2010 7:56:26 PM , Rating: 2
Wait,...it isn't April 29th? :P


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By someguy123 on 3/1/2010 10:24:25 PM , Rating: 2
Firmware update still seems to work.


RE: It's a hardware problem.
By Strunf on 3/2/2010 4:59:08 PM , Rating: 2
SONY is not clueless, most companies will never ask their clients to open a piece of hardware regardless of how easy it would be, they could get in really trouble if later there was a problem cause of it.


New Firmware
By nyarrgh on 3/1/2010 1:06:34 PM , Rating: 3
does this mean I'll have to update to the new firmware when they fix it? Hopefully this won't affect my linux install.




RE: New Firmware
By Vagisil on 3/1/2010 2:15:31 PM , Rating: 2
I think it'll have to be a firmware update.

Nothing would please me more than to have proper linux GPU support, so if they do what im expecting with this theoretical update (no not remove OtherOS) i will be fuming.


RE: New Firmware
By Aloonatic on 3/1/2010 2:35:09 PM , Rating: 4
What are the odds that the firmware update to fix this problem is about 70MB? :D


RE: New Firmware
By cwilson on 3/1/2010 4:06:00 PM , Rating: 2
Same thought crossed my mind when I read the title.


RE: New Firmware
By afkrotch on 3/1/2010 6:20:52 PM , Rating: 2
Hey, maybe we'll get lucky and get a gay GUI like the 360 did with the stupid avatar updates way back when.

I wish MS would bring back the old layout. Sony is doing alright for me in that front. I have the old PS3, but this is a non-issue for me. Seeing as I haven't turned on my old PS3 or my 360 in the past like month. Too many PC games out atm.


RE: New Firmware
By walk2k on 3/1/2010 2:51:30 PM , Rating: 1
There haven't been any updates in a while I assume this problem is on the PSN end (server).


RE: New Firmware
By Vagisil on 3/1/2010 3:40:27 PM , Rating: 2
The firmware is the trouble, Word is it's a leap year problem.


RE: New Firmware
By Thalyn on 3/1/2010 9:45:51 PM , Rating: 2
It really can't be on the PSN end, though. My brother's PS3 rarely, if ever finds itself even able to connect to the internet at all - much less the PSN. Yet he is still unable to play Assassin's Creed 2 at the moment.

That would suggest to me that it is a local problem - not one with Sony's network.


RE: New Firmware
By Vagisil on 3/2/2010 11:26:31 AM , Rating: 2
It was the RTC (Real Time Clock) not the firmware, although it could of been prevented with a firmware update.

The chip used to control the local time/date thought it was a leap year, when that happened many Phat PS3s were out of sync with the PSN servers meaning the DRM expired on all software and those games requiring a PSN connection or trophy syncing refused to work.

The PS3 Slim has a newer RTC and that's why it didn't suffer.
This raises a good point though, Why if xbox live is down or im not connected can i still play all my games unless they're online only, earn achievements etc but if PSN goes down permanently i can't do anything on my system at all?


RE: New Firmware
By Strunf on 3/2/2010 4:39:52 PM , Rating: 2
You can play PS3 with out connecting to the PSN... it's exactly like on the Xbox, if you can't play a game without being online then it's the game maker decision NOT sony.


Not just games..
By ziggo on 3/1/2010 2:00:20 PM , Rating: 3
It locks you out of the Instant Netflix even though you can web-browse.




RE: Not just games..
By TheDoc9 on 3/1/2010 2:12:22 PM , Rating: 2
I had the same problem with Netflix also, good to know what's causing it.


RE: Not just games..
By someguy123 on 3/1/2010 2:26:58 PM , Rating: 2
Yeah, everything connected to PSN is locked out, although the updater still works. Web browser also works, but the web browser's performance is still as bad as it was at launch.

Oddly enough yesterday was the DAY I decided to upgrade my ps3 drive. Hopefully that takes care of all my bad luck for the week.


RE: Not just games..
By Jalek on 3/1/2010 9:25:20 PM , Rating: 2
Mine was left folding as usual, and with all of these reports I checked out my 60gb model. It showed 3/1/2010 and seemed to be working normally.

After the idle time passed and it tried to reload folding, it popped up a message about needing an update which forced a reboot. Now the date's 2/28/2010 and it's off PSN.

Whatever. It's not like I can't log into Steam or somewhere that has games.


Just a few days ago...
By cwilson on 3/1/2010 4:02:47 PM , Rating: 3
Sony Shrinks PS3 OS, Gives Devs 70MB of Extra Memory
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=17775

...and now the fatty PS3 isn't working, perhaps somebody left out a few important lines of code in that 70MB of optimizations.




RE: Just a few days ago...
By afkrotch on 3/1/2010 6:34:25 PM , Rating: 3
Yet it leaves the slim PS3s fine.


I understand...
By zaaf on 3/1/2010 1:07:15 PM , Rating: 1
... that 'these things happen' but what i don't understand is why i can't play COD MW2 'OFFLINE' due to Trophys not able to sync. I just wanted to play the campaign. Looks like Sony is taking a page from Microsoft's book of rules.




RE: I understand...
By Ticholo on 3/1/2010 3:26:41 PM , Rating: 2
I guess you're right, more or less.
Then again, it's the price to pay for having all these online social networking community thingamajigs like profiles, trophies and achievements.
It all has to be compatible, so even for offline play trophies still need to be working in the background when you're playing the game because, well, it's one of those boxes the developers are required to tick when they're making their game.
If, for some unfortunate reason, those services are prevented from working on the console itself, chances are that anything that relies on them will also "break".


RE: I understand...
By SPOOFE on 3/1/2010 3:40:41 PM , Rating: 2
I was affected by the exact same thing last night.

This is the sort of thing that convinces me that no form of gaming (console vs. PC) is inherently "superior". It is popularity that causes the sorts of pressures and tensions that make glitches more likely, and those glitches - regularly and over time - can erode the popularity of one platform and push it over to the other.


Self Image
By Camikazi on 3/1/2010 6:22:32 PM , Rating: 4
You know, I hope all the older PS3s don't get some sort of disorder by hearing the new ones being called "Slim", of course insinuating that they are "Fat". That type of talk should not be allowed, as it could lead to problems with the "Not As Thin" PS3s body image.
This should stop now, I suggest the names "Curvy" and "Svelte" (yes I know it means Slim in French, but it sounds better) for new nicknames for the consoles. That should make the consoles feel good about themselves, without having to be compared to each other.




PS3
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 3/1/2010 11:14:49 AM , Rating: 3
Sheesh, I haven't booted up my PS3 in about a month. Now I guess it was probably for the better. Still need to try out IL-2 Sturmovick Birds of Prey that I got a while back from Amazon's Gold Box.




On the bright side
By FastEddieLB on 3/1/2010 10:39:20 PM , Rating: 4
Look at it this way: This is the only major problem the PS3 has had since its release. Unlike a certain other game console we all know about...




RE: On the bright side
By Freezebyte on 3/1/10, Rating: -1
RE: On the bright side
By karielash on 3/2/10, Rating: -1
RE: On the bright side
By karielash on 3/2/2010 4:41:41 AM , Rating: 1

Looks like Sony really are on the ball, even got their latest ad sorted...

http://www.ps3news.com/forums/attachment.php?attac...


Hmm
By ExarKun333 on 3/1/2010 11:22:09 AM , Rating: 2
Glad I saw this; I was trying to log into PSN over the weekend and received this message (non-PS3 slim). Will wait and see...




Couldn't play Band Hero
By cigar3tte on 3/1/2010 11:57:15 AM , Rating: 2
Apparently this game requires PSN connection, we got stuck at a black screen after game intro.




All Fat PS3 Models?
By tdawg on 3/1/2010 3:04:53 PM , Rating: 2
I was able to watch Band of Brothers on blu-ray last night with no problem, but I'm worried I won't be able to play MLB 10 on tuesday! Man, that would suck; I've got a friend that has tuesday off and his entire day revolves around MLB 10. :)




image?
By Visual on 3/2/2010 4:09:40 AM , Rating: 2
Why the DOA movie image? That game is from the competition...




Update
By afkrotch on 3/2/2010 6:53:57 PM , Rating: 2
Problem fixed




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