PS3 firmware 3.41 causes problems, Sony blames hard drives

Sony released the latest firmware for the PS3 earlier this week. Version 3.41 was a minor update, laying the framework for a new “Things you may like” feature in the PlayStation Store. Users are also reporting the firmware contains a patch that will make future firmware updates download faster. However some are experiencing problems when trying to update their consoles. Some are getting errors while others sit back and watch their PS3 crash.

From what we understand, users are having at least three separate problems.

1. They can’t upgrade the PS3 hard drive after downloading 3.41
2. If they manage to install a new hard drive, the PS3 won’t complete downloading 3.41
3. Systems are crashing regardless of the hard drive

Sony’s response tells us to reinstall the original PS3 hard drive and try downloading the firmware.

“We ask that you update the previous HDD first to see if the update will go through. Then update from the thumb drive that is formatted in FAT 32 and has the 3.41 update downloaded,” said Sony.

One of advantages the PS3 has is the ability to swap out its hard drive for a larger size. With all the mandatory game installs the PS3 has, a 60GB or 80GB hard drive isn’t enough to house all the media the PS3 is capable of holding. It seems counterproductive for Sony to suggest we revert back to old hard drives. Then again, this may just be a statement to hold users over while Sony works out a more reasonable fix.

Most PS3 firmware updates, including 3.41 are mandatory. This means unless you update, you will not be able to access the PlayStation Network.

This is not the first time the PS3 has had software issues. In March of this year, fat PS3′s were in danger of losing all its data due to a bug in the internal clock. We were advised not to turn on our PS3′s until it was fixed. Everytime the PS3 updates itself there are reports of problems. Some problems are just more widespread than others.

I updated to 3.41 the night it was released an had no issues. I own the original 60GB PS3, but I replaced the hard drive a few months ago. Have you been unable to update your PS3′s this week?

Read [CVG] Also Read [Destructoid]