[UPDATE#3]PSN Down! Data Corruption Issues Reported [Fixed]

Sony’s PlayStation 3 has seemingly encountered a massive problem, one that renders the console practically useless, gaming wise. I first saw the issue reported on TerminalGamer (thanks seeM!), but I confirmed all of the problems myself when I sat down with my PlayStation 3 console to investigate. The first issue is that PlayStation Network is currently down, and any attempt at trying to connect to it will yield a “8001050F” error.

That’s not all. Not only has the network failed, but it seems that games’ trophy data have also been corrupted. Due to this, some single player games have been rendered unplayable. I have tested Tekken 6, which proves this issue as true and, according to TG, the recently released Heavy Rain doesn’t work either. What happens is that when you start up the game, after a bit of black screen, you’ll see a progress bar that says “installing trophies”, or something to that extent, and you will soon be met with an error, that tells you to press the PS button and quit the game.

Those who own the original PlayStation 3 model have also reported that the date on their systems has inexplicably changed to 12/31/1999, some even saying that the date changed while the PS3 console was offline.

The bit of goods news here is that Sony is aware of the problem and they are working to fix it. They will update us as soon as they know what the exact issue is.

Update #1 (1 March 2010)

An update was released via Sony’s Twitter feed, which reads: “PSN status update: We’re narrowing down the issue and continue to work to restore service to all. Updates as soon as we have them.”

This was followed by: “PSN status update (part 2): Readers/followers are confirming that “slim” units (120/250 GB models) are connecting normally.”

The last update to Sony’s twitter was roughly 13 hours ago. We’re going to be keeping a close eye on this and we’ll let you know as soon as we get the next update, and especially once these issues get resolved. Hang in there, PS3 owners.

Update #2 (1 March 2010)

Sony’s Twitter feed has just posted an update reading: “Here’s the latest info on PlayStation Network’s status: http://bit.ly/cZQKpn” On the PlayStation Blog (which is where that link takes you), Patrick Seybold Sr. Director, Corporate Communications & Social Media, posted the following update:

All we can do now is wait. Personally, while I’m quite sad to hear this, since there are a couple of games I am currently and will be playing, I am happy to hear that Sony have identified the issue and are working to fix it. A good response from Sony, but a very perplexing issue. We’ll continue to update this article whenever new information is released. Stay tuned for the next 24 hours to see how this plays out.

Update #3 (2 March 2010)

Looks like PlayStation Network is back up! The following was posted by Patrick Seybold on the PlayStation Blog:

I have tested it on my PlayStation 3 and, to my great happiness, I was indeed able to sign into PlayStation Network and once again play my games. I have tested Heavy Rain and it works, so this proves it. Happy PS3 gaming once again guys!