PlayStation gamers got hit with the okey-doke this weekend when they opened a message that sent their consoles into a crash loop. The message contained a combination of characters that sent PlayStation 4's nationwide into a frenzy, much like the old school text message bomb would cause iPhone's to glitch. Sony responded to gamers in an email to VG247, writing, “We are aware of the situation and are planning a system software update to resolve this problem.” Now, according to IGN, Sony has fixed the issue.
Ask Playstation UK tweeted out that, "We've since fixed the issue, and it wasn't bricking consoles, just sending them into a crash loop that can be quickly fixed in under 5 minutes. Delete the message on the PS mobile app, go into Safe Mode, use Option 5, console back to normal." Step by step instructions for the fix are as follows:
- Delete the malicious message from the PlayStation mobile app.
- Restart your PS4 in Safe Mode. Here are official instructions via Sony: "Once the PS4 system is off, press and hold the power button again. Release it after you hear the second beep: one beep will sound when you first press, and another seven seconds later."
- Select "Rebuild Database."