Growing threads on the official PS3 forums claim that the latest system firmware update, version 3.0, is leading to a number of DualShock controller issues and game freezes.
Numerous users, some of whom specifically name the ceramic white wireless PS3 DualShock pad, are reporting their inability to synch up controllers with their consoles.
Other users are experiencing “freezes” mid-session when playing Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, a problem they say began after the firmware update’s release on September 1.
Many of the users reporting problems say that they have just purchased the newly released PS3 Slim, although others are experiencing the same issues with older PS3 models.
Billed as the last “significant” PS3 firmware update of 2009, version 3.0 introduces new trophy and friends list features, as well as dynamic dashboard themes and PlayStation Store shortcuts.
Sony has experienced problems in the past when rolling out major PS3 firmware updates. In July last year, firmware version 2.40 - which introduced in-game access to the system's XrossMediaBar and a Trophies achievement system - had to be pulled for further testing after numerous users reported running into technical problems - including consoles locking up - after downloading or while attempting to download it. Sony released a new firmware update shortly afterwards which rectified the issues.
We’ve contacted Sony for comment on the reported firmware 3.0 problems.
Sources: PlayStation forums