PS3 Firmware Downgrade 3.21

It’s hard to imagine that Sony would spend the last two to three months creating the next Firmware “update,” only to release one that doesn’t update anything at all, but downgrades. However, that’s exactly what Sony has done with Firmware Update 3.21. While some (us included) feel that this is just some cruel April Fool’s joke, it goes without saying that if it is a legitimate update, Sony is going to be facing quite the backlash — especially from those who have no clue to backup their data prior to updating the console.

Firmware 3.21 will remove the “Other OS” functionality from all consoles and those individuals who choose not to update, will pretty much eliminate most features that their PS3’s are capable of.

We’ve included a list below of the changes and you can expect this update on April 1st.

  • Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
  • Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
  • Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
  • Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later

Readers Comments (29)

  1. VofEscaflowne March 29, 2010 @ 09:14

    I’ll have to let my friend know about this but I’m sure he already does. For some reason, he’s crazy about using Linux on his PS3 and will probably buy a 360 and a second Wii because of this news. Personally I couldn’t care less about this update.

  2. “Sony is going to be facing quite the backlash — especially from those who have no clue to backup their data prior to updating the console.”

    If they knew how to install and use Linux, it’s a fair bet they’re savvy enough to back up their data, no?

    I never used it on my 60GB PS3, and it was never possible on the Slim anyway. No great loss. Any old PC should run Linux, so it’s no great loss. If it makes the PS3 more secure against pirates and such, I’m all for it.

  3. @Paranoimia

    Sony has stated that if you update the console without backing it up first, you’ll lose all of your data from the Other OS side of your partition. This is something that has never happened before in a previous update.

    How will Linux users who aren’t familiar with the update features going to know that this update is going to wipe their partition clean with no chance of saving it?

  4. This all comes from the Hypervisor hacks and recent cheating online that has been traced back to the “Other OS” feature. Sony gave us an inch, and we took a mile. Now we are grounded, lol.

  5. So I need to backup my data”?

  6. APRIL FOOLS !

  7. bit unfair to people who use it but never considered installing linux so doesnt effect me

  8. I’ve been thinking and this could very well be a “double edged sword”: Sony says it will actually remove a feature prior to april’s fool to see everyone’s reaction. If they see backlash they might say “hey, april’s fool” but if they don’t the say “go ahead as planned” or something like that.

    Agggh, it makes me wanna break something (wait, where did I hear that line?).

  9. I think this is a definite loss for the schools and scientific community that has been networking PS3’s together using Linux to create low cost supercomputers. It’s a shame that Sony’s solution to the system getting hacked in January is to remove a wonderful feature like that. But Sony has proven many times that they like Microsoft don’t really listen to what their customers want and they just do what they want

  10. Is this a response to George Hotz?

  11. Moocows111111 March 29, 2010 @ 15:43

    So… Linux is completely out of the question? Downgrading will be ok for me, As long as it doesn’t affect any gaming time then I’m absolutely fine with it, I bought a Ps3 specifically for games, anything else is just extra.

  12. OMFG!…Sony you better be joking. I was now gonna see what Linux has to offer me through my PS3!

    Damn,…Oh well. I guess I’ll just start to hate SONY from now on until I see FFVII remake…..

  13. Backing data up? If I lose my FF13 data I swear my PS3 is taking a nice flight out the window lol.

  14. ..l. -_- ..l SONY

  15. Hey guys. notice how its releasing on APRIL 1…. remember what that day is? Oh yeah, april fools.

  16. My main concern is that I bought my PS3 at FULL PRICE AND MORE (That’s almost 800 dollars where I’m from, 2 years ago) and now they are telling me that I’m actually losing features from my system?. I think that’s just BS.

  17. 30NIGHTCRAWLER30 March 30, 2010 @ 21:10

    If this is true, I will be selling my PS3, and buying a XBOX 360. Better for me, I will get the Stimulus Package of Modern Warfare 2 faster. It better be a joke or something…..

  18. I made the mistake of upgradeing and now I cant play most of the shows on my server. This really sucks. It does not even see them now.

  19. and what about the consoles which already has linux installed, like mine. Got to admit i am ok with feature being taken off due to security reasons. Damn Geohot

  20. this is pretty ghetto :\

    quite a few people bought the PS3 because of the OS feature….as i hope they put out a more advanced OS feature thingy in the coming firmwares…..all i want is zerogame’s emulator you feels? 🙁

    ahh well, there are ways of bypassing the update and still be able to get on PSN so it shouldnt be too bad

  21. I intentionally bought an older fatty to use the other os feature. I hear alot about hackers using this feature to do unethical things. If this is the case why not just ban them like Micro$haft did on the xboxes. How would poeple feel if they did this to your car. Bring it in for an airbag recall and get told “the airbag might randomly go off but to accept this update your car wont goo over 55 as a security feature”. Simple-they removed functionality we paid for and desired to protect themselves on equipment we own and threatened us with neutering other funvtionality we paid for if we didn’t. Let me know when the class action begins-I’m there. Oh and heres sonys response to my complaint:
    “Your concerns have been heard regarding firmware update 3.21 for the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system. We do apologize for any inconvenience, but in order to protect the intellectual property of the content offered on the PS3 system, as well as to provide a more secure system for those users who are enjoying games and other entertainment content on the PS3 system, we have decided to delete the feature to address security vulnerabilities of the system. We do value your input and appreciate you bringing your concerns to our attention. Please rest assured that we will convey your feedback to Sony Computer Entertainment America’s (“SCEA”) appropriate management.”
    Like I said they neutered my PS3 to protected their precious fluffy….

  22. to the ignorant masses who could not care less: YOU PAID FOR THAT FEATURE WHEN YOU BOUGHT IT WITH OTHER OS! IF I SOLD YOU A CAR THEN DAYS LATER CAME BACK AND REMOVED ITS STEREO SYSTEM BECAUSE YOU COULD LISTEN TO PIRATED CONTENT ON IT, EVEN THOUGH I HAD NO REAL EVIDENCE THAT YOU DID, WOULD THAT BE LOGICAL? IS IT FAIR THAT LOYAL SONY CUSTOMERS GET KICKED IN THE NUTS GET WHAT THEY PAID FOR TAKEN AWAY, (ON APRIL FOOL’S DAY NO LESS!) AND GET ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN RETURN FOR FOR IT!? AND ALL BECAUSE THY ARE TOO LAZY TO TAKE CARE OF THE REAL CULPRITS! HACKERS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY OTHER OS REMOVAL. ONLY COMPLIANT CONSUMERS. THEY CAN ALSO REMOVE ALL THE FEATURES YOU GIVE A HOOT ABOUT IF THEY WANT WHICH IS WHY ITS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE! AS WE SPEAK, HACKERS NOW HAVE A REAL INCENTIVE TO HACK PS3 EVEN FURTHER AND DEVELOP DEFENSES AGAINST UPDATE 3.21 WHILE THE REST OF US TAKE IT FROM THE REAR BY SONY’S KNEE-JERK REACTION! ANYONE GETTING THE BIG PICTURE YET? SELLING YOU SOMETHING, THEN TAKING IT BACK WITHOUT AN EQUIVALENT EXCHANGE OR REPLACEMENT IS STEALING! JUST BECAUSE YOU WERE EITHER TOO UNAWARE, UNEDUCATED ABOUT A FEATURE OF PS3, OR DID NOT CARE DOES NOT MEAN I OR SONY OR ANY HACKER HAS THE RIGHT TO SCREW WITH YOU. i MEAN, THEY DID IT ON APRIL FOOL’S DAY! OTHER OS GAVE YOU AN EXTRA COMPUTER THAT WORKED OFF A TOTALLY FREE OPERATING SYSTEM, UNLIKE WINDOWS WHICH COSTS MORE THAN $100.00. A PS3 SYSTEM WITH OTHER OS ENABLED IS NOW WORTH MORE ON EBAY THAN TWO 3.21 PS3’S PUT TOGETHER! HA! GEOHOT JUST MADE ME TWICE AS HAPPY… THAT I DID NOT UPDATE! STICK IT WHERE THE SUN DON’T SHINE SONY!

  23. this has now proven once and for all why xbox 360 always has been the better console. ps3 needs fined and shut down for good.its one shambles after another with them

  24. fuck the sony, do somebody know how to downgrade firmware to earlier version. any ideas?

  25. *looks at Dr Dragon and lastorderfan’s wall of text* dood no way in hell am i reading all that rubbish

    @ryan redmond: LOL ok

    @fr34k: no there is not

  26. I bought my PS3 specifically for the ability to run Linux and play emulators. I like playing Playstation games and have plenty of them. I had the choice between the FAT and the SLIM version of the PS3 when I bought it. Why would I upgrade to lose a feature I specifically bought a PS3 for? I don’t care if some hacker found a way to do something that Sony doesn’t like. Don’t punish the masses for the work of a few. I’m never upgrading to 3.21 until a workaround firmware has been established.

  27. sony started to pissing me off,used or not the other os feature was proudly presented by sony and now they are taking it away.bagamias pulan` gura lor

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