PS3 Firmware 2.01 is most ironic ever [Updated]

by Justin McElroy { Nov 20th 2007 at 9:10AM }

PS3 owners may have noticed some new firmware for the PS3, version 2.01, that became available late last night. If you haven't already nabbed it, don't expect any big changes: The .01 just denotes a few bug fixes and solutions for those who said they've been experiencing game freezing errors with 2.00.

Unfortunately, it appears as if the patch may have created problems for Call of Duty 4 players, who took to the official forums (registration required) en masse to complain of critical errors while trying to play the game online now. Many also report getting the same error: "DW update file error 102 - 'BD_EXCEPTION_IN_DB' " when trying to start a new character. Apparently, firmware 2.01 ... is a hippie. Neither Sony nor Activision have responded to the the issue, but we'll let you know when they do. We also don't know if this extends to any other games. Have any of you had similar problems?

[Thanks, Chris]

[Update: Infinity Ward's saying that all of these problems with Call of Duty 4 should be corrected at this point. ]

Tags: call-of-duty-4, callofduty4, ps3, sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Zertoss @ Nov 20th 2007 9:16AM

Are we sure the PS3 isn't powered by Windows?

ssuk @ Nov 20th 2007 9:35AM

Reminds me of the Futurama joke;
"You hear they're using Windows 3000 as a prison guard? It always locks up!"

Todd @ Nov 20th 2007 10:33AM

I think you can install Windows, if you want. ;)

pete @ Nov 20th 2007 2:35PM

If it were powered by Windows, we'd have probably divx support by now. What a joke - how hard is it to roll out another codec?

James @ Nov 20th 2007 9:18AM

This is what I don't like about this gen. New system features at the cost of bugs.

Marc Federico @ Nov 20th 2007 12:26PM

no, this is what happens when sony writes your software. sony quite possibly has the worst software out of any company for such a good hardware maker. sonic stage, bluray software, ps3 firmware, rootkits, camera managers, all buggy and complete garbage.

GargantulaKon @ Dec 7th 2007 11:04AM

Logitech and Wacom has the same issue. Great hardware, buggy drivers and software. I am currently working with Logitech with SetPoint bugs and Wacom with their bugs with chordable keys for their Intuos line. Logitech and Wacom are hesitant in admitting they have a problem, that it the most annoying part! :(

FidliousWong @ Nov 20th 2007 9:18AM

This is honestly shocking. We haven't had firmware fubar's since the issues with the Warhawk beta.

n2 @ Nov 20th 2007 9:20AM

Wasn't Call of Duty having problems on the PS3 with firmware 2.0? Did they fix anything?!

Hoffer @ Nov 20th 2007 9:22AM

This is the problem with the PS3. Constant frickin updates that take 10 minutes each. Then with every update, it causes some problem that requires a 0.1 to fix. Now we need a 0.1 fix to fix a 0.1 fix.

elpmis @ Nov 20th 2007 9:22AM

2.01 fixes Assassin's Creed's issues, and breaks Call of Duty 4. Sony failed to do what we in the software development biz call "regression testing".

dan stabbingworth @ Nov 20th 2007 9:23AM

Sheesh, if I was a dev and firmware updates by Sony were crippling my games, I'd have to take a hard look at discontinuing development for their system. This can only breed ill-will with CoD4 players.

FidliousWong @ Nov 20th 2007 10:15AM

Kind of like damn near crippling lag in Team Fortress 2, or pretty much every other issue with damn near every 360 game launched. You act as if patches or fixes for games are some mysterious Sony exclusive problem. PC gamers have been dealing with this for years. The complexity of the new systems ensure console gaming will now have this issue.

Anticrawl @ Nov 20th 2007 10:21AM

Someone is bitter about their dial-up connection. Take the leap into the 21st century and buy a high-speed connection you filthy hippie. The lag problems were never that bad in Team Fortress 2 and I personally have never experienced them(no, I don't host, just join friends who I know can host and actually go by the recommended number of players.) On top of that the damn game got patched a while back, quit your nonsensical bitching.

On Topic: This really sucks for people with a PS3, but then again if you were dumb enough to play a FPS on that controller then well you probably had it coming to you. The 360 and PC are the only way to play FPSs.

Clack @ Nov 20th 2007 10:23AM

"PC gamers have been dealing with this for years."

Platform uniformity and stability is supposedly one of the big plusses of console gaming vs. PC gaming.

Night Elve @ Nov 20th 2007 10:34AM

@Anticrawl

I guess I'm dumb enough because I've been playing Resistance and CoD 4 perfectly fine.

I guess I'm the only one but I feel pretty comfortable playing FPS's with the SIXAXIS so ....

JL @ Nov 20th 2007 10:41AM

I agree with night elve. Im tired of this argument though so I will comment on this topic.

My PS3 has been freezing not only in game but also in the XMB. I havent downloaded the patched update yet, but I hope it fixes my issue. F*ck COD4, I already rented it and beat it and I dont do multiplayer.

Also, has anyone else had problems with the syncing of their bluetooth controller. Maybe once a day, it will go out of control for about 5 seconds. Its not a big issue but its kind of annoying.

Anticrawl @ Nov 20th 2007 10:41AM

It's insane to think you could productively play a FPS with the Dualshock/Sixaxes layout. Unless you're using the D-pad to move your character I'd imagine the number one player for COD4 on the PS3 would consistently get his ass beaten by a sub-average player on a 360 controller, or a toddler with a mouse. Honestly you're really enjoying it on the Sixaxes? Are you also a masochist? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some styles of games on my PS3 but no way in hell I'd suffer through a FPS on that controller, it was designed with certain games in mind and shooters aren't one of them.

Vidikron (FU) @ Nov 20th 2007 10:49AM

@Anticrawl

That's just stupid. There's no in-game disadvantage to having the left analog stick in the position its in on the PS3 vs in the primary position. I works perfectly fine.

Vidikron (FU) @ Nov 20th 2007 10:50AM

*It works perfectly fine.

Anticrawl @ Nov 20th 2007 10:57AM

@Vidikron (FU)

Well you have fun with your silly FPS layout and I'll keep my opinion that it's an inferior layout. My opinion is no less stupid than your own. The controller was never designed with FPSs in mind while the xbox controller was, and the mouse just begged to have a game like it.

Luckily I have all 3 systems and a decent PC so I can enjoy all the games how they were meant to be played(with the exception of some FPSs because I just love me some XBOX Live.)

Vidikron (FU) @ Nov 20th 2007 10:58AM

One more point... I understand if people prefer one position over another, but people claiming it doesn't work as well are just full of shit. Here's why...

Unless you're playing Southpaw, your aiming (where precision is most important) is done on the right analog stick. And what position is the right analog stick in? Yup, it's in the same damn position (just mirrored) as the left analog stick on the PS3. And apparently most people have no issues using the right analog stick. And, get this, your left hand and right hand are mirrors of each other! Wonder of wonders! So why is it that what works perfectly fine for your right hand magically won't work for your left? People that claim the PS3 configuration doesn't work as well are full of shit. Plain and simple. Again, I'm not saying you can't have a preference, but there is NO disadvantage to using the PS3's arrangement.

FidliousWong @ Nov 20th 2007 11:16AM

Anticrawl, that was truly amusing... Really it was. Before your first attack was at my bandwidth, talking about dial-up systems and all that. You know, connection rates that are NOT allowed on either Xbox Live or PSN. So way to fuck that one up. You also forget I usually host Warhawk matches up to 16 players (they only dedicated servers run the 32 player) and I host 40 player matches on Resistance all the time. But that's besides the issue.

Team Fortress 2 had noticable issues with lag in most games over 5-6 players. This isn't fantasy. It was mentioned on several sites and even got special mention in the cagcast. And Valve issued a statement damn near immediately after the game launch saying they were working on the issue. Whether the patch fixed the issues (hint: it did) or not is irrelevant to the fact that the issues existed. Now if I want to get truly shitty, I could mention a Lost Planet where, even after DLC was released, many of the lag issues in multiplayer existed in spades. Frankly, don't know if it ever truly got fixed, I gave up after June.

Anticrawl @ Nov 20th 2007 11:19AM

@@XDragon

Saying there is no disadvantage between the different controllers is moronic. That's like saying there is no difference between using a first-baseman's mit and catchers mit to field a baseball or like saying being tall doesn't give one an advantage when running or playing basketball. There is advantages and disadvantages of each controller no matter how you look it it. Movement is just as important as aiming in a FPS as well.

Vidikron (FU) @ Nov 20th 2007 12:04PM

@Anticrawl

You fail to address the issue that most people have no issues with the position of the right analog stick combined with the fact that your hands are mirrors of each other. So, if people are fine with the position of the right analog stick and aiming, and your hands are mirrors of each other, how is the PS3 configuration where the analog sticks are mirrors of each other a disadvantage? If the position is a disadvantage for your left hand it MUST be a disadvantage for your right hand as well, yet I never see anyone make that complaint.

XDragon @ Nov 20th 2007 12:11PM

Anticrawl,
my point is that the 2 controls you're comparing to pc are almost the same except for the the most significant difference which is a slight difference in positioning of your left thumb. I personaly have no performance increase or decrease when playing fps games on either the PS3 or 360 but I do play better and can play longer when I use the keyboard mouse combo.

Anticrawl @ Nov 20th 2007 12:16PM

There is also a noticable difference in feel/quality of the joystiqs on either controller, but anyway I think I'm done with this topic. If you can't see a difference then continue to be blind. I know fighters will be better on the PS3 because of it's setup and the better D-pad and I know FPS will be better on the 360 because of the more ergonomic design of the controller for that genre.

Vidikron (FU) @ Nov 20th 2007 12:36PM

I agree that the sticks feel different and I actually do prefer the 360 sticks. I think the PS3 sticks are too loose. But your statement that the #1 CoD4 player on the PS3 would get his ass beaten by a sub-average player on the 360 due to the position of the left analog stick is nothing less than absurd. That implies that there is a clear advantage to the position on the 360, yet I have clearly proven that there can be no advantage. Your hands are mirrors of each other and the position of the sticks on the PS3 are also mirrors of each other. And since their position is the same as the right analog stick on the 360 and no one ever complains about the the position of the right analog stick, the complaint about the PS3 arrangement are based in nothing more than it's what people are used to. Otherwise, people would be complaining about right analog sticks, but they don't.

KingOfGods @ Nov 20th 2007 1:21PM

I have to agree with Anticrawl.

I have both the PS3 and a 360. I own COD 4 on 360 and recently rented COD 4 on PS3 to get a first hand comparison. I can aim with ease on the 360 but have issues on the PS3. I'm using a brand new dual shock 3 fresh out the box.

I constantly have to adjust the sensitivity on the DS3 to try and find a sweet spot where I can keep my sensitivity at 7 at all times on the 360 version.

IMO the thumb stick placements and that fact that the sticks have ends that are convex instead of the more comfortable concave design of the 360 controller doesn't help.

Anticrawl @ Nov 20th 2007 1:25PM

@KingofGods

Thank you, now that there is atleast one sane person out there I can finally rest in peace. I think that knocking is the UPS man, time to play some Mass Effect and give my thumbs a rest from VF5.

Ants @ Nov 20th 2007 1:26PM

@ Vidicron

I wouldnt say hands are exact mirrors. One hand is eisier to use if ur right or left handed, so position might make a slight difference unless ur ambidextrous.

Vidikron (FU) @ Nov 20th 2007 1:38PM

All I'm saying is it is physically impossible for there to be a disadvantage for the PS3's left anlog stick without there being the same disadvantage for the position of the right analog stick. It's easy logic to see. Yet I still don't see anyone complaining about right analog stick positions. The other issues about ow loose the sticks are, convex vs concave, and being left or right handed have absolutely nothing to do with the physical position of the sticks... which is what is being discussed. So, again, Anticrawl's statement about the #1 CoD4 player on the PS3 would get his ass beaten by a sub-average player on the 360 due to the position of the left analog stick is unequivocally absurd. I've laid out the logic as plainly as possible and no has yet to refute it with any logical reasons why what I'm saying is false.

James @ Nov 20th 2007 3:27PM

It really comes down to personal preference and what your used to. Anyone that plays the 360 a lot will think the PS3 controllers feels weird and visa versa. Personally I like the SIXAXIS sticks better but I like the ergonomics of the 360 controller better. With the SIXAXIS sticks being softer I feel I can better modulate them. Also not sure if you guys know this but the SIXAXIS also has a little bit more range in motion giving you even better modulation control. As for the whole concave vs convex thing thats a whole nother argument and how you use your thumbs on the stick.

XDragon @ Nov 20th 2007 3:49PM

I don't know why you say i'm blind because i don't have any issues with the PS3's controls for fps. I'm not saying 360 is better or worse like some people, i'm saying i don't expreience a diference either way. Obviously everyone has their own preference and i'm sure many will argue that the Playstation brand has had the same layout for so long that its just more familiar but if you feel that you are more accurate on 1 system vs another then that's great for you, but i don't feel any more or less accurate on either system other than a PC with keyboard and mouse.

ill trooper @ Nov 20th 2007 4:43PM

Well, one thing has been determined: Anticrawl is a judgmental sort of guy who likes to type and refresh. What the F* dude? You call people stupid hippies and idiots for playing FPS games on the PS3, claim some sort of intangible, unprovable thing like the "360's controller was designed for FPS games," and then when people call you out on that nonsense you act like it's only your "opinion, no stupider than anyone else's opinion."

Yeah right, unless that opinion is different from yours, in which case you make it clear that you think it IS stupider than your opinion.

Maybe sit this next one out, champ?

Phil Ringsmuth @ Nov 20th 2007 9:25AM

As I recall, my NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, GameCube, GameGear, Nomad, GameBoy, PlayStation and Xbox (etc. etc.) never had any problems resulting from something called a "firmware upgrade."

Not a knock on the PS3, the Wii is equally guilty of updating itself before it'll let you do almost anything, as is the Xbox 360 on occasion.

I guess I just miss the days of popping in a cartridge or a disc and simply enjoying my games.

Dale @ Nov 20th 2007 9:52AM

Hear hear, Phil. All the firmwire malarkey is turning games consoles into work-in-progress Frankenstein's monsters - and while it's great when we get some cool new feature, it's usually something that could have been included from the start (keyboard support on Wii, media format support on Xbox 360/PSP/PS3, etc).

LD22 @ Nov 20th 2007 10:16AM

Yep alot of consoles now have had issues with firmware updates.

Kengro @ Nov 20th 2007 9:27AM

This is not good. This is soon making consoles less reliable than pc's if it continiues. Wich is bad

JodyAnthony (Good Eats Defense Force) @ Nov 20th 2007 9:29AM

as long as i dont have to worry about my assassins creed save messing up for now i dont care. what a fantastic game

KingOfGods @ Nov 20th 2007 1:28PM

I love that game...such a breath of fresh air. I feel for the gamers and reviewers who really didn't give it a chance and enjoy the game more.

PSN: KingOfGods
Gamertag: KingOfGods

TJ0331 @ Nov 20th 2007 9:30AM

Wow, did you all already forget about the problems the 360 had with cod4 online? The game freezing, not joining matches, party support was/is horrible. FOrgot about all that already huh? Shit I love my COD4 on my 360, but even I'll admit it was broken. Even IW announced it in the corner, saying sorry, but MS is all screwed up, we'll be running normal soon. Because COD4 has some probs on the PS3, you people jump all over it.

Jtenma @ Nov 20th 2007 9:38AM

Nobody jumped on anything....what?

Everyone here understands the ps3 isnt the only system to have problems, its just that I hear the game is UNPLAYABLE...thats bad.

BTW I havent had any problems on COD4/PS3

Brucie B @ Nov 20th 2007 9:49AM

TJ0331 Ok TROLL, I've had 0 Problems on cod4 on the 360. So take your BullSh** Stories elsewhere.

TJ0331 @ Nov 20th 2007 9:53AM

Brucie B are you retarded? Do you ever read the bottom left hand side of the screen? Moron.

LR @ Nov 20th 2007 9:58AM

The problems you mentioned were on the PS3. The only problem I've encountered on the 360 with COD is if the host leaves, the game ends.

Haven't had any freezes. Haven't had problems joining games. Every game I've joined I've played. Haven't had party matching issues-- in fact I really like how it queues everyone up without you have to pick a server or match.

The only issue I have encountered is if the host leaves the game, the game ends, but at least it drops you out gracefully, tells you the game has ended and compiles your score to date.

GRANTED @ Nov 20th 2007 10:05AM

And I've had no problems with CoD4 on the PS3. But apparently some people have problems on both systems. You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. What applies to you has little to no relevance to anyone else, so even if your CoD4 plays fine on 360, it doesn't mean everyone else's did. Except when you RROD--no one on 360 can play when their box RRODs. That's a bug the PS3 doesn't have.

Brucie B @ Nov 20th 2007 10:07AM

TJ0331 Yes I do understand that you took the BLUE BUS. I'm sorry that it's So hard for you to understand, But let me me clarify.

I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS ON COD4 ON THE XBOX 360.

*The game freezing, (LIES, Unless it's your Xbox, Not Game) not joining matches,(Never had a Problem, Get off of Dial Up) party support was/is horrible (Your Just DUMB)