A PlayStation 3 message board first started reporting the problem, causing Sony to pull the firmware from its site while it looks into the problem.

Informationweek.com says the new firmware upgrades included "?in-game access to instant messaging to communicate with other players and other PS3 features, such as checking downloads, changing settings, and playing music from the user's library. In addition, the firmware introduces a trophy system to award players for game performance."

The PlayStation 3 has generally been bug-free since its release in 2005, so Sony will be keen to keep it that way. After pulling the firmware, Sony is furiously trying to isolate the bug so it can be put up for download as soon as possible.