Sony resolves PlayStation millennium-bug complaint

Sony has avoided permanent brand damage by resolving the millennium-style bug that prevented millions of PlayStation 3 owners from using its online games network earlier this week.

The fault, which could have left the brand permanently damaged had it not been fixed quickly, was caused by machines that had “recognised the year 2010 as a leap year”. Only the new slim consoles were immune from the problem.

Yesterday, the Japanese electronics giant had advised gamers to stop using their games console until the problems were resolved.

At the time, the company said: “We are aware that the internal clock functionality in the PlayStation (PS3) units other than the slim model, recognized the year 2010 as a leap year.”

In a statement today, the company confirmed the error had been repaired. “Having the internal clock date change from 29 February to 1 March (both GMT), we have verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally,” Sony said.

It adds that if gamers still experienced problems, they should adjust the date settings manually or via the internet.