Sony has been forced to withdraw the anticipated 2.4 PS3 firmware just a few hours after the update became available, because the new code has apparently been playing havoc with consoles.

Patrick Seybold, Sony's public relations bigwig, last night posted a message on the official PS3 blog admitting that the consumer electronics giant has “temporarily taken Firmware 2.40 offline” just hours after the update was posted.

But what’s the reason for such a drastic move? Sony said that it had received calls from consumers “experiencing an issue with installing the system software”.

Related stories

• Sony re-releases latest PS3 firmware
• Pulled PlayStation update to be re-released next week?
• Scareware runs amok on PlayStation site
• Sony dates PS3 latest firmware debut
• Sony details European DualShock 3 launch date
• Summertime movie downloads for PS3 fans
• Xbox 360 owners tougher than PS3 fans - survey
• PS3 sale price spurs costs Sony dear

According to a report on Joystiq, some gamers have reported that, while trying to install the update, an on-screen message said the update had already been installed.

The pull will be very embarrassing for Sony, as 2.40 had been hyped-up as one of the most exciting updates for the console yet. The update, which was withdrawn on the same day it was released, allows in-game XMB access and features a trophies section to reward dedicated gamers for their virtual efforts.

For the time being though, gamers will just have to sit and wait for Sony to fix the problems.

More comments…