PS3 3.0 / 3.01 firmware update making Blu-ray drive unusable?
What could possibly cause nearly 700 comments on an official Sony blog post announcing the relatively minor 3.01 firmware update for the PS3? Plaudits? A Kanye meme gone awry? No, it's the age old problem of an update that apparently breaks more than it fixes. In this case, a sizable number of users are reporting that the 3.0 and/or 3.01 update caused their PS3's Blu-ray drive to be all but unusable for both games and Blu-ray movies (although some folks report that DVDs still work). Other users are also reporting intermittent problems like no sound, and some problems with specific games, but it does seem like the complaints are pretty widespread and, as of yet, Sony isn't saying much about them. Bitten by the upgrade bug yourself? Let us know in comments.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
New_to_this @ Sep 25th 2009 3:15PM
Yes. 3.0 SUCKED! I bought a PS3 Slim and Drakes Fortune and I could not play. Upgraded to 3.01 and I could finally play the game. Took almost 2 weeks for the update. I guess I need to test everything again now. Not a good impression for new PS3 owners, like myself.
Adrian Sharp @ Oct 1st 2009 4:19PM
Since the last update 3.01 my console will not boot from disk be it game or movie.
I have set boot from disk to on. It used to work fine.
It does not matter if i put the disk in when console is on or off or if there is a disk already in.
Both games and blu ray play fine just will not boot up.
Dolphz @ Sep 25th 2009 3:23PM
Hrm.. I never had either of these probs myself, but then again - I've got an older model PS3.
The most dissapointing thing about 3.0 in my opinion was the lack of "new" things. It just seemed like a small patch, in comparison to Xbox's huge makeover a while back.
nrb @ Sep 26th 2009 10:14AM
"I never had either of these probs myself,"
Welcome to the extreme lack of fact checking on internet news/blogs. A few people had problems that may or may not have been caused by the new code and Engadget[hd] post it as if all PS3s are being destroyed. Idiots.
"The most dissapointing thing about 3.0 in my opinion was the lack of "new" things."
I completely agree. I HATE the way all the list items fade to nothing after two seconds. Hate it, hate it, hate it!
Charles @ Sep 25th 2009 3:24PM
I've had zero problems since updating to 3.01 a few days ago (didn't have any with 3.0 either).
stevelp99 @ Sep 25th 2009 3:28PM
too bad for those that had freezing issues especially with drakes fortune, great game. my launch 60gb never had a freezing issue, still runs like a dream. tested 15 ps3 games and 100 blurays and 50 dvds to be sure after the last update. hopefully sony fixes those issues. wish i could say my launch 360 was still workin. after sending it in twice its still dead and out of warranty. at least sony's problems are usually firmware not hardware issues.
hoagie @ Sep 28th 2009 1:23PM
You tested 100 Blurays and 50 DVDs? Man, I would've stopped at 5 each and assumed it was all good. ;-)
GaryMc @ Sep 25th 2009 3:47PM
3.0 working great on my original 60gb.
aygie @ Sep 25th 2009 4:09PM
running like a dream :shrug:
John Drinkwater @ Sep 25th 2009 4:13PM
Firmware 3.01, new PS3 Slim model, no problems for me playing DVDs, Blu-rays and games…
Though I *did* hit the Drake problem with fw 3.0 - impressed that it was only two weeks for an update, I know some companies can take months before it even has a patch ready for that famed tuesday ;)
KCRG @ Sep 25th 2009 5:35PM
10 minutes into a blu-ray movie or game, the movie/game will freeze. When I get back to the main menu or restart the PS3, if I try to watch the movie again it will not read the disc and I get an error message. This happens with all of my blu-ray movies/games. It's really frustrating, especially considering I spent so much on a 60 Gig PS3 and can no longer use it for one of the primary reasons I bought it.
paparrin @ Oct 26th 2009 2:38PM
Same shit happenned to me, 60g ps3, updated to 3.01 and all games and dvds freeze and some are not even recognized, i want my ps3 back, does anybody know if any new update is being developed to fix this issue? thx
New_to_this @ Sep 25th 2009 4:26PM
I am not at suprised it took engadget so long to comment on this. These issues have been all over the internet since September 1st.
Donald, since you are counting comments on 3.00 and 3.01 you should also include the first blog post by Sony regarding these issues: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/update-on-ps3-firmware-3-00/
This one has almost 1,200 posts.
It took Sony a few days to respond to all of the posts on the forum and the calls to their help center, that is when they posted this:
SCEA is aware of reports that PS3 owners are experiencing isolated issues with their PS3 system since installing the most recent system software update (v3.00). Rest assured that we are looking into the matter and will provide an update here as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience, as it’s our mission to deliver the best consumer experience on all PlayStation platforms.
etlgfx @ Sep 25th 2009 8:54PM
yea no problems for me either, 3.01 original 60gb
Paul @ Sep 25th 2009 4:45PM
this happened to me with an older update, cost me $150 and 4 weeks without my ps3.
i get scared every-time i do updates, cant play online without updating, this should be changed.
Why should we all be forced to update.
Sony are doing a great job of destroying their brand image.
ITS DISGUSTING!!!
Pat @ Sep 25th 2009 5:08PM
60Gb EU launch model with 250Gb HDD, works just perfect. I've only had freeze problems with firmware 1.50... old times :D
Josh @ Sep 25th 2009 5:25PM
My drive is unusable now.
I refuse to pay $150 dollars to repair a system i only use for movies.
it started slow, just freezing on movies, but dvds would work, then it just completely went out and now i cant use it which pisses me off because i have all these blu-ray's and no player.
bry2an @ Sep 25th 2009 5:25PM
PS3 60gig version running 3.01 and everything works. I watch Blu-rays and DVDs and play games. Some games work even better.
John S @ Sep 25th 2009 5:29PM
PS3 80GB with no problems with 3.0. Drake's Fortune was running just fine.
I don't feel like I need to update to 3.01 if it's purpose is to fix the DF freezing issue.
farhaad @ Sep 25th 2009 6:03PM
ps3 launch model 60gig w/backwards compatibility. DVDs work, ps2 games work, anything downloaded from PSN works, but after upgrading from 2.8 to 3.01 (mandatory for me since 3.0 wasn't available anymore), my ps3 and bluray movies are buggy / freeze / or are not even recognized. I've tried brand new games, with 0 scratches. my ps3 was working PERFECTLY minutes before updating. FIX MY PS3 SONY!!
Jypson @ Sep 25th 2009 7:08PM
The update knocked out my Mediaplayer media center. It could also be a problem with Medialinks update as well, who knows. I found turning off all the options makes it mostly functional, but errors still pop up all the time.
Frank @ Sep 25th 2009 7:57PM
I updated by PS3 for the first time in 2 years and all of my games stopped working. I sent for repair and $160 later it being exchanged. Maybe this is the reason???????
DarthGator @ Sep 25th 2009 8:49PM
I've got an original 60GB edition and the 80GB Metal Gear Solid version and have never had a problem after a firmware update.
Nick @ Sep 25th 2009 9:42PM
I had a 60 GB that I bought in February 2007. I received the YLOD within 3 days of downloading 3.00. I don't seem to be the only one with this problem, as a lot of 60 GB's seem to have started to get the YLOD.
Damn Sony.
echike @ Sep 25th 2009 9:57PM
I upgraded to firmware 3.00 and I didnt have a problem; and now Im running 3.01 and i still dont have a problem.
TC @ Sep 25th 2009 10:50PM
60GB PS3 working fine prior to downloading mandatory firmware 3.0 update. After updating, MLB09 the Show freezes 15-20 minutes into the game. Madden 10 freezing 15-20 minutes into the game. Blu-Ray movies freezing. All games and movies worked fine prior to update. Downloaded firmware 3.01 which was supposed to solve freezing problems of Unchartered game. Firmware 3.01 did not resolve issue. Sony forced the firmware on consumers and needs to be held responsible for fixing affected PS3s.
jgvp @ Sep 26th 2009 2:00AM
Without any action on my part, except for the installation of Snow Leopard, I now find that I am unable to access the 'Net. Despite all attempts at trying to fix it, the PS3 still states that it cannot find an Ethernet connection. Just in case there was something wrong with the Ethernet cable, I tried a brand new unused Ethernet cable to no avail, so I guess it has to be something intrinsically wrong with the PS3 as I am still able to access the 'Net from my Mac mini.
Dennis @ Sep 26th 2009 1:36AM
I'm having an issue where every PS3 game I have, allbeit only 5 games in all, does not work after updating to 3.01. I don't seem to be having any issues with my collection of PS2, PSX games, or DVDs, though. Of course, according to 90% of the people on the official Sony site, we're just launching an Anti-PS3 moment for XBox or Wii sales boosts. However, I think Sony will get a patch out soon enough. They said the same thing with the initial outcry of issues from 3.0, and that was the main reason for 3.01's release.
DrXym @ Sep 26th 2009 3:27AM
Works for me so far. I hear some reports that Drake's Fortune was bugged but that was apparantly fixed.
gotjf @ Sep 26th 2009 5:09AM
My copy of RE5 dosen't read anymore...but my other games seem fine, actually this makes me want to check a blu-ray movie now.
BarkingGhost @ Sep 26th 2009 5:42AM
I would think that if the problem was was prolific enough that more than 700 comments would have been posted. We're talking millions of units vs exactly how many affected units? And I am not trying to trivialize the issue as it causes me to pause and not update the Firmware.
I look at it this way ... if everything is working beforehand why then tempt fate and update?
JoeSp @ Sep 27th 2009 9:46PM
I never download a new update until it has been out a few weeks. I have a first release 60gb PS3 and waited for the 3.01 download. After there were few complaints I updated this week and I have no problems. People just buying the PS3 have no idea how far Sony has brought this wonderful media box since release thru software updates. Even MS has not been able to add so many features to a single Windows OS they have brought out -- ever. Give Sony a little time (and not much at all) and they will fix any problem they create.
Grant @ Sep 26th 2009 10:34AM
Same thing happened to me with one of the 2.x updates. Had to send it out for repair. Think I'll wait on the 3.01, thank you very much...
lakersin2025 @ Sep 26th 2009 11:36AM
40gb here new firmware no problemo. Only play cod waw and mkv movies though.
Merkley @ Sep 26th 2009 3:55PM
It's happening to sooooo many people ... keep the press pressure on please.
I have a list of contacts over 50 people (then I stopped collecting) and even offered it to Sony but they still claim no responsibility. They will fight this until there is a class action lawsuit b/c this is going to be one expensive mistake to fix.
Merkley
Bill @ Sep 26th 2009 5:06PM
so I was reading this thread, and think to myself, "what problem?" cause since I updated to 3.0, I did not have any problems when I got my Beatles rockband. then I put in my wolverines originas from netflix and what do you know, it can get to the part that asked me if I wanted to install the BD live update for the movie, I said no, then after that, the movie just goes nowhere and remain a complete black screen at this time. I am updating to 3.01 at this time, but I have no faith at this time. If these silly updates are going to screw my ps3 up as a blu ray player, then sony will have hell to pay. you hear me, sony? hell to pay!
be back with an update after 3.01 is finished downloading.
Bill @ Sep 26th 2009 5:28PM
after downloaded the 3.01, I am still not able to play the X Men Wolverines Origin. I popped in X Men 3, and that was able to be recognized and played. So I decided to go back to wolverines, but only this time, decided to download the movie's bd live update of 703kb, and after that update was downloaded, voila, now the movie plays. what kind of crap is this? so if I decide not to download the bd live update because I never use it, I cannot play the movie? what is the logic in that. I am happy to know that at least the blu ray plays. whether or not it can play through its entire feature I do not know. but these problems that have been reported, is very real to be sure, just based on my short update experiences this afternoon.
and sony should certainly own up to their responsibility, and fix it soon. if all was working, and through 3.0 or 3.01 it is broken down, this should be a software fix, and they need to get to it right away....
skorpiun @ Sep 27th 2009 11:19AM
I upgraded to 3.01, and now it doesn't recognize my dualshok controllers, even though I was using one to install the update. Only my original nonshok controller works. Called sony- reset everything, reset controllers, and unplugged the system. They told me to send in the controllers, but I had to have proof of the orginal date of purchase. When I said I didn't have it, I was told to send the system in and they would fix it.
An update needs to be put out NOW-not in a while
zxspeky @ Sep 27th 2009 5:25AM
after firmware 3.01 update my games and BD films started freezing, I rang sony cs and was told to format the HDD and restore the file system, I thought this had worked for a short while but it started freezing again then I realised games only play up to the point where a new level is loaded or data is being retreived from the disc. I have also noticed there is no file in video\bd data utility, previous to the update there was a file in this folder (although I'm not sure what that's for, so it may be irrelivant).
aza @ Sep 27th 2009 9:33AM
I have had this problem for 6 weeks not i was actually going to open mine up since i dont have a warranty anyway. Now i think i will wait a little longer to see if anything happens. I'm so irritated had this since 3.0 was released sept 1st and i am so disapointed in sony for not accepting there is a problem with their system. Stop lying to us sony and get it fixed then just maybe i will be happy and so will everyone else
Aza @ Sep 27th 2009 9:39AM
did not mean to put not sorry
henry knapps @ Sep 27th 2009 9:14PM
mine locks up and will not read blurays i have an original 60gb. and all this started up after downloading 3.0 and 3.01 made it worse.
Jono @ Sep 28th 2009 8:36PM
Updated from 2.8 to 3.01 and now 4 different games (1 brand new) and a new DVD cannot be played. Super weak update from Sony, have done format and restore and no joy. Lets hope Sony get this sorted ASAP.
Matt @ Sep 27th 2009 4:39PM
I have an 80 Gb backwards compatible system. I'm having the freezing issues too. Any BluRay movie or PS3 game freezes after 15 mins. or so of playback. Talked to Sony support after 3.0 and they walked me through the file system restore saying I might have corrupt files. The rep I spoke with also said if that didn't fix the problem, it was probably caused by the update and a new update was coming soon that should fix the problem. Finally got 3.01 and still have freezing issues. Called Sony support again the other day and ended up getting a real jackass on the phone. He told me that none of my freezing issues are caused by the update and it's just a coincidence that I started having problems the day I downloaded 3.0. When I mentioned all the other people posting on the internet that they are having the same issues that just happened to coincidentally occur right after the update, he told me that if I believe everyone on the internet, I might as well believe in bigfoot since people post sightings of it as well. At that point he was probably pretty lucky that we were talking on the phone and not face to face. After arguing for awhile, I told him that if Sony couldn't admit fault and fix the problem, I would probably throw my PS3 away and never buy Sony products again, rather than pay $150 to have it fixed. Then the asshole offered to buy it from me. I really wanted to hurt him. I loved my PS3 so much more than my Xbox 360 but, at least when I got the RRoD after my warranty was out, Microsoft was able to suck it up and repair it for free.
Andy @ Sep 27th 2009 8:32PM
Thanks Donald,
I hope this post gets wide publicity. I can confirm that my PS3 firmware upgrade to 3.0/3.01 made the Blu-Ray drive unusable. I have been waiting and watching everyday for any updates.Unfortunately, all Sony Support is doing at this point is to ask for 150 bucks for diagnosis. This is one of the worst firmware updates I have done and like the previous commenter, Matt, I'm just about ready to throw the PS3 out of the window.
Andy
hteng @ Sep 28th 2009 1:05AM
After updating to 3.01, i'm having freezing issues with all my Bluray and PS3 games. it was working fine before the update.
I've notice that I can play PS2/DVD and CDs fine, is it really a coincidence that the hardware failed right after a firmware upgrade? or is it really the firmware that's causing it.
we all know that 3.00 had cause issues with Uncharted, sony had silently acknowledged it with 3.01 to fix the problems but there are so much more games out there that are also affected.
Please keep reporting if you have any issues
Luke @ Sep 28th 2009 5:09AM
It won't even recognize any of my discs now ever since I upgraded to 3.01. I have a paperweight.
Sean @ Sep 28th 2009 5:33AM
My PS3 just bricked a couple days ago too. I thought it had nothing to do with the 3.01 fw since I've had it for a few days before any problems, but researching it now leads me to believe it was the fw. It literally just stopped working for me. I had no gradual problem with the BR drive, it just stopped reading them. They better fix this soon.
Sean @ Sep 28th 2009 5:39AM
Btw, I have an original 60GB PS3 from 12/06. :(
beeah @ Oct 14th 2009 2:21PM
My 2-yo 60GB PS3 was also bricked. It'll read DVDs, but not BR movies or games - movies error out with an error code, but game discs are either not recognized at all, start to load then hang, or hang after a few minutes of gameplay.
Downloaded games that reside on the HD work flawlessly.
I had 0 problems with this unit until 3.0 was installed. And 3.01 did not help - but no surprise there, as I don't own Uncharted...
FWIW, all of my discs are handled carefully and stored in their cases when not in use. The console sits on a middle shelf, not sitting on the floor where it can more easily collect dust.
Though I did suspect the update as the culprit right off the bat, were it not for the fact that so many others have reported the same problem I probably would have dismissed it as a coincidence - as Sony would have us all believe.