MadCatz issues statement on PS3 firmware update issues

News by Stephany Nunneley-Jackson News Editor

Published on Sept. 24, 2010

MadCatz has issued an official response to the issue facing users of its older controllers on PS3 following the latest firmware update, and it finds three controllers from the company are no longer supported.

Yesterday, PS3 users were chatting on the official PlayStation forums about certain third-party controllers no longer working with their consoles, and some of the controllers were sold by MadCatz.

Here's the official statement, courtesy of Gaming Today:

Over the last 24 hours, various media outlets have reported on issues gamers are experiencing after downloading and installing the new 3.50 Firmware for their PlayStation 3 video game systems.

Mad Catz would like to take this opportunity to put gamers’ minds at ease. With the exception of a small quantity of controllers sold before 2008, we believe that all Mad Catz products will continue to function as they did prior to the 3.50 Firmware update including high profile products such as our range of Street Fighter IV FightSticks and Wireless FightPads; our range of controllers and accessories for Call of Duty; our Cyborg F.L.Y. 9 Wireless FlightStick; our wired and wireless control pads; and our range of Rock Band accessories.

Any consumer who owns a Mad Catz product and is experiencing an issue, including an issue with the PlayStation 3 Firmware update should contact Mad Catz customer services. Providing the product is within warranty, Mad Catz will be happy to offer a suitable replacement.

Many users stated on the forums their FightSticks were working just fine, but a few stated their Guitar Hero controllers weren't, so it sounds like a few with issues had older model controllers.

The controllers that no longer supported are:

2008 Wireless PS3 GamePad (Only the one released prior to 2008, current version in stores works fine)
2008 Wired PS3 GamePad (Only the one released prior to 2008, current version in stores works fine)
PS3 Wireless MicroCon (Now discontinued)

A two year old controller just doesn't seem "old" to us, but what do we know.

We'll continue to keep you updated on this as more information becomes available.

According to Sony, the firmware update disabled the use of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers, but told VG247 yesterday it was looking into the issues being caused with legitimate controllers.