Playstation 3 Update Locks Out Linux and Ubuntu, Bricks Consoles
Another hardware update, another batch of bricked systems
On April 1, Sony released firmware update 3.21 for the PS3, an update that disabled the Install Other OS function on the older, bulkier PS3s. Sony's official reason: "Security Concerns."
Now, nearly a week later, consumers are reporting that the update has led to a variety of bugs, including slowed internet connections, controller compatibility issues, and resolution issues when using HDMI. And that's if the update installs at all, as there have been reports that the download cycle hits an endless loop and never fully completes.
Opting to not download the update bars the user from accessing the Playstation Store, playing games online or playing any games or Blu-ray movies that require the 3.21 update to function.
Only a sliver of the open-source community used the PS3 to run Linux or Ubuntu, but Sony's decision to cut them out is still a disappointing one, especially considering that it affects users who didn't even install another OS.
These issues only seem to affect the original non-slim (or fat) PS3s, as the option to install another operating system was removed on the newer, slim models. No word on a patch as of yet.
Update: Engadget has a workaround courtesy of Geohot.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.
-
AerynOS Alpha Release Available
With a choice of several desktop environments, AerynOS 2025.08 is almost ready to be your next operating system.
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for more than two weeks.
Re: Loop
Loop
Re: Workarounds
The directive, which states that commercially purchased goods must, "fit for the purpose which the consumer requires them and which was made known to the seller at the time of purchase," fits the description of the update pretty well. It might be a little trouble to go to, if the update bricked your PS3, why not get a little pay back for your trouble?
Playstation 3 Update locks out Linux and Ubuntu, bricks consoles
Grounds for action
Neverending Loops
Next I sent a whinge-mail to Sony about the issue and to express my displeasure with the removal of the Install Other OS option and the cyclic issue when attempting the update. Now the only reason I went ahead with the update is so that I could play games which was the main reason the PS3 was bought, but there was also a feature that I loved which added to the feature list of the PS3 (but this is now no longer sadly).
I did receive a reply back inviting me to call their support line and quote the Reference number on my email, of course I took up their offer. To the credit of the Customer service person he handled my call professionally and elegantly, he could only cite the "security concerns" in relation to the reason that the update had occured. I mentioned the whole Geohot hack bit and he would not comment, can't blame him really.
He advised me that he had not heard of my particular issue and advised me to try updating with either the USB stick in normal mode or to do it via Safe Mode if the former did not work. I must admit I had never heard of the Safe Mode and thought I had to give this one a try. I performed the update to 3.21 (begrudgingly) via Safe Mode and it worked perfectly and I must admit no issues at this stage.
Other workaround