The looming software program kill-switch lurking in getting old PlayStation {hardware}

These consoles could eventually be large paperweights if Sony doesn't fix a problem looming in their firmware.

Enlarge / These consoles may ultimately be giant paperweights if Sony does not repair an issue looming of their firmware.

Until one thing adjustments, a difficulty lurking in older PlayStations’ inside timing methods threatens to ultimately make each PS4 sport and all downloaded PS3 video games unplayable on present {hardware}. Proper now, it isn’t a matter of if however when this downside will happen.

This ticking firmware time bomb has been identified in sure PlayStation preservation and hacking circles for some time. But it surely’s gaining new consideration amid Sony’s just lately introduced resolution to close down the web shops for PS3, PSP, and Vita software program. Whereas that impending retailer shutdown will not impression gamers’ talents to play and re-download beforehand bought software program for now, the eventual wider shutdown of PSN servers for these getting old consoles may have a way more drastic impact on the playability of a large swath of video games.

What’s the issue?

The basis of the approaching subject has to do with the CMOS battery inside each PS3 and PS4, which the methods use to maintain monitor of the present time (even after they’re unplugged). If that battery dies or is eliminated for any cause, it raises an inside flag within the system’s firmware indicating the clock could also be out of sync with actuality.

Learn 6 remaining paragraphs | Feedback

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *