And we do mean big...

Here’s the theory: Sony creates a firmware update designed to enhance the PS3’s functionality and, more to the point, your gaming pleasure. The process of doing so should, in theory again, involve thoroughly testing the update in order to wheedle out every last nasty bug so that the update is 100% stable when it’s finally released. So that’s the theory. Can you see where we’re going with this yet...?

Yep, Firmware Update 2.40 has been causing all manner of problems since release midweek – mainly microphones cutting out and, in all too many instances, complete and seemingly unrecoverable system lock-ups – nasty! Unsurprisingly Sony has been forced to pull the update from their servers for the time being, leaving only the following, rather bland statement on their Knowledge Centre:

“We are aware of a limited number of consumers experiencing an issue with installing firmware 2.40 on Playstation 3. While our consumer services department has seen a low volume of calls on this topic, we are committed to enabling the community and XMB access features delivered in the 2.40 update. In order to further assess the issue, we have temporarily taken the firmware offline for further testing. We are working diligently to isolate the problem for those few consumers and to identify a solution before we put the firmware back up. The Knowledge Centre will be update with information as it becomes available; please check back here for further details.”

It’s all rather embarrassing, isn’t it? And more than a bit infuriating too for those affected by the lock-up, since the only known current solutions are to reformat the hard drive or to send bricked PS3s off to Sony for a costly repair. Given those unfortunate options we’d advise that the afflicted sit tight until Sony works out a proper fix which, fingers crossed, won’t be too long coming. Well, that’s the theory...