A new update just rolled out from Sony for the PS3 which is giving many users their fair share of troubles including bricked consoles.

Official firmware 4.45 just got released and according to many user reports its causing bricks and other issues. Users are reporting that after updating the consoles, on boot, it gets stuck to the ribbon screen, and renders useless afterwards.

With no word from Sony yet, its in your best interest to wait. While this is not affecting everyone, it is taking a impact on a lot of people. A simple look at the PlayStation forums shows that the problem is wide spread and not isolated or yet resolved. PlayStation Customer service is aware of the issue and are giving inflicted users the cold shoulder and a simple “wait it out” until a solution is found.

There isn’t any indications as to what is causing this phenomenon, but from my analysis it seems to be a problem relating to PS3s with upgraded or changed HDDs. But there could be a plethora of other things causing the problems.

It’s always best to wait until Sony releases a fix. Its better to be safe than sorry. Stay tuned for updates. Hopefully a hotfix is en route.

The fix isn't out yet is it?

http://www.gamespot.com/news/sony-launching-ps3-firmware-fix-next-week-6410578

Basically, the link says they've identified the problem and they're releasing a fix next week.

"PS3 Firmware Update 4.45 was designed to improve system stability, and it did. You can’t get more stable than a bricked console!"

— CEO Kaz Hirai (@KazHiraiCEO)

Thank Heaven for little mercies, i.e CFW

Amen brother!!!

Thank Heavens too for me not even bothering to update in the first place.

Slightly less emphatic amen brother.

PS3 firmware version 4.46 replaces last week's faulty 4.45 update.

Instructions and download links at http://www.gamespot.com/news/sony-issues-fix-for-broken-playstation-3-firmware-6410799