PS3 "unlicenced controllers"

chrissin

Hi I don't know if this has already been posted, but be careful with the cheap PS3 controllers. Sony has cracked down on them and launched some firmware that stops the console from recognizing them.

The brand that I have been using is Hama "Black Thunder", which has been shut down as it is apparently an unlicenced peripheral. It will work with any PS3s that don't have version 3.50 installed.

At the moment I have been writing to PS3's customer services, Hama (the creator of the product) and the shop I got it through Amazon. PS3 are currently refusing to accept liability as it is against their warranty to help with third party products because they can damage the machine. My argument, however, is Sony chose to create this firmware and consequently disabled their use on my machine.

Is there anything I can do to get Sony to somehow compensate me?

sporedude

chrissin wrote: »

Hi I don't know if this has already been posted, but be careful with the cheap PS3 controllers. Sony has cracked down on them and launched some firmware that stops the console from recognizing them.

The brand that I have been using is Hama "Black Thunder", which has been shut down as it is apparently an unlicenced peripheral. It will work with any PS3s that don't have version 3.50 installed.

At the moment I have been writing to PS3's customer services, Hama (the creator of the product) and the shop I got it through Amazon. PS3 are currently refusing to accept liability as it is against their warranty to help with third party products because they can damage the machine. My argument, however, is Sony chose to create this firmware and consequently disabled their use on my machine.

Is there anything I can do to get Sony to somehow compensate me?

No. You have no leg to stand on.

Arg

On what basis do you say that sporedude?

Esqui

I would imagine, buried deep in the PS3's various bits of literature, it advises owners to only use official Sony products. I may be wrong, but that's most likely.

DrScotsman

I'd go after the place you bought the controller from. You presumably bought a PS3 compatible controller, not a PS3 "compatible right this second" controller.

It's no longer as described or fit for purpose.

fozmcfc

You don't have a leg to stand on, certainly with Sony. You have been using non authorised hardware with the PS3, Sony basically don't allow that, just like they don't allow software not authorised by them.

Sony will receive monies from companies who are authorised to produce hardware and software for their equipment. Clearly this company and it's hardware are not lisenced and therefore Sony don't like it and have ensured that this companies hardware cannot be used on their system.

Basically anyone who used non authorised software/hardware have to be prepared that in the future updates may be produced which will prevent the use of non authorised software/hardware.

I don't own a PS3, but it maybe possible to reverse the firmware update, so they can be used again, but even if possible it would mean not being able to update the firmware ever again. Over time software and other hardware will require later firmware so even if you do the above it will restrict future use.

DCFC79

Lesson learned i think, i bought 1 unofficial/licensed accessory which was for the old ps1 but since then ive not bought unofficial/licensed accessories for the ps2, xbox and xbox 360 to prevent anything like whats happened to the op

cardinalbiggles

To be fair Sony are going to start alienating more and more people with these rediculous antics. Sure try and stop people using copied games on colsoles as Microsoft have done but when you start stopping people using games controllers your only motivation is greed.

They stopped people running Linux on the PS3 as well a few months back even although they were sold as having that functionality.

Sony messed it up big time this generation.

Arg

Esqui wrote: »

I would imagine, buried deep in the PS3's various bits of literature, it advises owners to only use official Sony products. I may be wrong, but that's most likely.

because if it's written down it's ok?

fozmcfc wrote:

You don't have a leg to stand on, certainly with Sony. You have been using non authorised hardware with the PS3, Sony basically don't allow that, just like they don't allow software not authorised by them.

I think you mean 3rd party, authorized,licensed is PR talk.
Now just imagine if they started talking about using unlicensed televisions with your PS3.

Equaliser123

Interesting one.

Unauthorised products do not necessarily infringe any intellectual property rights.

By preventing the use of legitimate products, Sony could be seen as acting against the interests of a free and competitive market and is thereby abusing its position from a competition law perspective.

Enforcement? Unless you have deep pockets, you will have a huge problem on your hands.

fozmcfc

Arg wrote: »

because if it's written down it's ok?



I think you mean 3rd party, authorized,licensed is PR talk.
Now just imagine if they started talking about using unlicensed televisions with your PS3.

I could imagine if they said only to be connected to a Sony Bravia TV their would be an outrage :rotfl:

The fact is Sony make money from those who produce products that are compatible and authorized/licensed whatever you want to call it with the PS3. So it stands to reason they don't want any unathorized/unlicensed hardware/software as that takes money away from them.