PS3s bricked by custom firmware

With the publication of the system's root key, the PlayStation 3 was considered defenceless, but the old girl has one more trick up her sleeve. Drop the latest custom firmware into a 60 GB model console, and behold! A very expensive doorstop!

Destructoid reports that the latest version of the firmware, v3.55, has been responsible for the untimely death of several launch PS3s.

To further add to the pain and embarrassment of would-be hackers, it appears that more than one console was put out of its misery even after the firmware was found and reported to be total rubbish as warnings went ignored.

Although the problems seems confined to one model so far, and to be caused by an error in the firmware rather than a product of Sony's security, it's probably wise to make sure you know exactly what you're doing if you intend to fiddle with your expensive console - for any reason.