A firmware update has been released for the Playstation 3 which will fix stability problems and solve a number of compatibility issues with current PS3 titles.

"This is a relatively minor update to improve stability of some PS3 titles," wrote Director, PlayStation Network Operations Eric Lempel.

The unstable games in question haven't been confirmed, but a number of gaming websites were quick off the mark to suggest that the upgrade will fix issues that are currently plaguing one of the console's biggest titles, Grand Theft Auto IV.

However, Sony has confirmed that the firmware update doesn't affect Rockstar's title at all. The good news however is that Rockstar has issued its own patch, which kicks in once you boot up GTA IV.

The patch “prevents Gamespy’s servers from being overloaded and therefore reduces the impact on those servers that were causing the game to stutter and lock up.”

Sony has stated that anyone experiencing further problems with GTA IV should contact customer support.