Playstation 3 Crippled Worldwide (Updated)

Starting early yesterday morning, Playstation users around the world have been encountering a problem that prevents users from logging in to Playstation Network as well as some other problems that prevent users from playing certain games. Until the issue is fully resolved, Sony has advised all users that do not have a Playstation 3 Slim model to not use their console. Playstation 3 Slim users are not affected by the issues, and can continue to use their console and Playstation Network as normal.

Sony has stated that it has most likely identified the cause of the problem, linking it to a problem with the clock in the first-generation Playstation 3s. The company expects to be able to solve the problem within 24 hours, and has made a statement providing some further details on the issue.

In this statement, Sony advised users to not use the first-generation Playstation 3 until the issue has been addressed. Failure to do so “may result in errors in some functionality, such as recording obtained trophies, and not being able to restore certain data.” The full statement is included after the jump. More information and updates can be found here.

As you may be aware, some customers have been unable to connect to the PlayStation Network today. This problem affects the models other than the new slim PS3.

We believe we have identified that this problem is being caused by a bug in the clock functionality incorporated in the system.

Errors include:

• The date of the PS3 system may be re-set to Jan 1, 2000.
• When the user tries to sign in to the PlayStation Network, the following
  message appears on the screen; “An error has occurred. You have been
  signed out of PlayStation Network (8001050F)”.
• When the user tries to launch a game, the following error message appears
  on the screen and the trophy data may disappear; “Failed to install
  trophies. Please exit your game.”
• When the user tries to set the time and date of the system via the
  Internet, the following message appears on the screen; “The current date
  and time could not be obtained. (8001050F)”
• Users are not able to play back certain rental video downloaded from the
  PlayStation Store before the expiration date.

We hope to resolve this problem within the next 24 hours. In the meantime, if you have a model other than the new slim PS3, we advise that you do not use your PS3 system, as doing so may result in errors in some functionality, such as recording obtained trophies, and not being able to restore certain data.

As mentioned above, please be advised that the new slim PS3 is not affected with this error. We are doing our best to resolve the issue and do apologize for any inconvenience caused.

For the latest status on this situation please continue to check either the PlayStation.Blog orPlayStation.com.

Edit: Though an official statement has not been made at this time, it appears the PlayStation Network is now back online. Be sure to report any changes in save files or trophy information directly to Sony’s Playstation product support. Happy Gaming!