Firmware 3.00 blamed for malfunctioning PS3 controllers

by Xav de Matos { Sep 2nd 2009 at 5:45PM }

A growing thread on the official PlayStation 3 forum alleges the recent hardware firmware upgrade to version 3.00 has spawned a host of controller connection issues for PS3 users. According to the forum, various wireless controllers -- some users specifically naming DualShock3 model CECHZC2H (Ceramic White) -- are unable to connect to the console. When turned on, users claim the controller LEDs for ports 1 and 2 activate, but the controller remains inoperable.

Users attempting to troubleshoot the problem claim that resetting the controller (through the built-in pinhole reset function) and plugging it directly into the console (via USB) do not correct the error, with one user going so far as doing a complete system restore to no avail. The issue, however, appears to be isolated, but is still a concern for a number of gamers.

Update: Overnight, the issue has spawned an interesting development. Users are pointing out that the problem may be isolated to "knock-off" PS3 controllers. Joystiq has contacted Sony for an update to see if XMB 3.00 targets these fakes or if the controller issue is simply a byproduct of the controllers not being able to catch up with the new firmware.

Tags: controller, controllers, dualshock3, firmware, issues, problems, ps3-firmware, ps3-firmware-3.00, xmb, xmb-3.0

Related From Joystiq

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

Imran @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:49PM

where can one buy a white controller in the USA?

RagnarokSam @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:50PM

i've seen them in wal-mart

Slyphon Filter @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:50PM

gamestop

Jabra the Hutt @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:52PM

Got mine on teh interwebs. Apparently, Ugly Red and Semi-Ugly Blue DS3's are available as well. Ordered a blue one last night.

Special Agent Steve @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:00PM

"i have the problem too. i gave my black controller to a friend so all i have is the white one. fucking fix it sony"

Chris, for the love of God, ban him.

Slyphon Filter @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:10PM

isn't that a little convenient for a ps3 hater, iluvmyzune?

Mein Bratwurst @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:13PM

iluvmyzune, quit lying, you don't have a PS3 and you especially don't have any friends.

ArchiGamer 2.0 [Planeteer I Power of Sexy Irony] @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:14PM

"iluvmyzune"

With a name like that, I'm inclined to call BS on you.

Solace @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:14PM

http://chriswelch.smugmug.com/photos/636472980_xLfP6-O.jpg

Longhorn Slim @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:16PM

@Solace

Its just a cosmetic issue

AerialAngel @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:22PM

@ solace - can you just stop with that? damn

Extinction @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:29PM

I imported that controller, I do not have this issue

Slyphon Filter @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:38PM

i actually like the look of the new friends list and the store links don't bother me.

Solace @ Sep 2nd 2009 7:18PM

the update fucking sucks

why the fuck do I need 3 PlayStation Stores ALL RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER?

what kind of fucking shortcut is that when theyre right NEXT to EACH OTHER

Sony is crazy for calling this 3.0 and the last Major FW update because it sucks

CzAr @ Sep 2nd 2009 11:17PM

GameStop is also getting red and blue DS3s.

eNrique @ Sep 3rd 2009 12:12AM

Just wanted to add that the malfunction appears to be only with fake white DS3.

MilsurpShooter @ Sep 3rd 2009 7:14AM

I get most of that stuff from Play-asia.com. Usually comes out over there before it comes out in the states. It's how I got the rumble controller about 3 weeks before it released here, and a lighted base... and a Metal Gear controller charger lol

Chris @ Sep 3rd 2009 3:36PM

I gotta say I actually agree with Solace about the 3 Store buttons (whichever camp he is from). It's such an intrusive advert! Actually I'm in the UK so only see two, but it makes the point clearer.

deaftly @ Sep 3rd 2009 5:42PM

I have an iphone, zune, ps3 and 360. Sorry I just blew your mind.

Dan @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:49PM

humm... what could be commented here?? *thinking

Jabra the Hutt @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:50PM

RACIST MALFUNCTIONARIES!

Or not.

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Sep 2nd 2009 7:01PM

that would be "reverse Racism"

lol

Traceur_Ryuk (PSN: Ryuk_shinigami) @ Sep 2nd 2009 9:49PM

Reverse racism? Not all racism is against black people, white people can experience racism too.

borland502 (SDF Macross) @ Sep 3rd 2009 8:10AM

I gotta give Chris a heart up against the hoard. Normally, I don't give two shits about the downhearted, but that seems a little harsh given the accurate quip. Sure white guys can experience racism, but even among whitey, the practice is generally known as "reverse racism."

clanboru15 @ Sep 3rd 2009 9:51AM

"Sure white guys can experience racism, but even among whitey, the practice is generally known as "reverse racism." "

Uh, I don't know where you live, but I have never heard it called that. It's racist no matter what race it's against. I (a white person) have experienced more racism then I have ever dolled out. It's painful reading what people think sometimes. It seems to be the cool thing to call out white guys on being racist, even when they aren't.

BUT, all seriousness aside...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbwNSNLPIfw

dbanbury5 @ Sep 3rd 2009 1:45PM

My friend's Dualshock 3 white controller has had trouble connecting before 3.00. I'm pretty sure he imported his though. I doubt it's the firmware.

Ramon Caballero @ Sep 3rd 2009 3:04PM

Reverse racism would be:
Most of black controller works
The minority white also works
Then, to apply Reverse racism you will make Black controllers to stop working.
Reverse racism is to be racist with the majority (race).

This is Full Racism :)

tmacairjordan87 @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:51PM

Seems like 3.0 destroyed more things than it added. Seriously, I've never seen so many problems for what was a near-useless update.

jarhead906 @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:52PM

Destroyed is kind of harsh word, but I feel inclined to agree with you. Aesthetic changes weren't really an improvement.

SpaceFox @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:56PM

3.00 brought nothing new to the table except a whole slew of issues that everyone seems to be complaining about. The things that were added that weren't bad in any way weren't even that great, except the dynamic themes.

Chief Oddball @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:59PM

I haven't updated my PS3 yet. Between this and the freezing issue with Uncharted -- which I am going back through again in advance of the sequel's release -- I think I'll wait to see how this plays out.

Lars @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:00PM

I haven't had any problems (crosses fingers).

I really like the fact that you can go directly to the video store, and from the video section no less! It gives me hope that there might be a music store coming soon too. Other than that, not much to mention. It's obvious they did a lot of work on it, and perhaps we'll see the fruit of that in future updates. The animated backgrounds are cool, but until they release tools to make your own, I don't care too much.

Traceur_Ryuk (PSN: Ryuk_shinigami) @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:00PM

Well, it does have SOME practical changes.

-Dual audio outputs

-HDD subtitle options

-Upgraded flash player

-Screenshots of web browser

-Easier messaging

-Copy and paste in messages (My favorite)

-Mobile phone remote play

I don't know why everyone hates the update, I like it.

Right analog stick video control

Traceur_Ryuk (PSN: Ryuk_shinigami) @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:03PM

"I don't know why everyone hates the update, I like it.

Right analog stick video control"

Uhh... That was my iPhones fault, not mine

AllFallD0wn @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:04PM

Maybe the new firmware needed a bit more bug testing before it was launched. Specifically with uncharted and ALL controllers!

Lars @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:27PM

I disagree. I'm not saying it's a spectacular update, but it's not terrible either. The ticker thing does annoy me though. Not as bad as the old ticker, but I can't figure out how to turn this one off.

Kevin949 @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:32PM

Nothing is as bad as the 2.40/2.41 brick.

davidchege @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:37PM

Hi lars......go to system settings you can turn it off there, thats what i did...it gives you the option to leave on or off....goodluck

Chris @ Sep 2nd 2009 7:51PM

The update fixed my wireless network scanning and connection issue (it did neither unless I manually entered the router name and password)

WHICH IS AWESOME

I almost mailed my system to Sony.

Oh and I almost flung my controller across the room trying to make the background glitter move around... it barely reacts (BUT IT REACTS!!!)

LegendaryRedass @ Sep 2nd 2009 8:42PM

I doubt it had anything to do with it, but the second my ps3 restarted after the update, the fan started buzzing real loud. Not the normal vortex sound it makes, but the sound of a fan going bad, if you've heard that before.

Needless to say, it scared the shit out of me. I thought my ps3 just fried. It's ok now, it just needed a good cleaning. And I found out why the fan is so loud normally, it's about 4-5 inches in diameter. It's huge.

Jimmy @ Sep 3rd 2009 9:32AM

the best feature is the ability to see the clock and the battery icon at the same time, without overlapping

Mr. Joe @ Sep 3rd 2009 11:27AM

this was a horrible update. i hate the glitter. the friends list is ugly. i'm going to complain about this shit until they offer options to go back to how it was. thanks to eNrique below, i learned we can turn off the glitter. this made me happy.

Slyphon Filter @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:51PM

hmm, it's strange that all these problems are surfacing. the only complaints i've heard so far from my friends are that they don't like the sparkles.

Nathan-DTS [Anti-Planeteer - Power of Anti-ness] @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:12PM

Sparkles are cool.

Electro Poof [Super Nintendo IT ONLY DOES EVERYTHING - Now Only $29.99] @ Sep 2nd 2009 6:24PM

Yes, my plan is working to perfection. The PS3 fanboys will never know what hit 'em

MUAHAHAHAHA!

zero2dash @ Sep 2nd 2009 7:35PM

I like the sparkles.

f35acepilot @ Sep 2nd 2009 7:41PM

But...the sparkles are the best part...

They are obviously evil masterminds in disguise as the average internet user. They are probably in league with the people who disliked the touch sensitive power buttons on the original ps3 and the sliding disk loader.

eNrique @ Sep 3rd 2009 12:28AM

You can turn off the sparkles from the theme menu in the system tab, choose "Classic".
;)

Mr. Joe @ Sep 3rd 2009 11:21AM

the glitter is horrible. i'm embarrassed to show my friends who come over now. the glitter and the ugly friends list ruined this update for me.

@eNrique: thank you so much! i'm going to do this when i get home from work tonight!

Weembles @ Sep 2nd 2009 5:52PM

Good God, the grammar in this post is horrible.

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