MadCatz issues statement on PS3 controller lock-out issue

Following the news last week that the latest firmware update v.3.5 has caused some third party controllers to become inoperable, MadCatz has issued a statement.

The peripheral manufacturer confirms that the 2008 wireless PS3 GamePad, the 2008 wired PS3 GamePad and the PS3 wireless MicroCon will no longer work following the update, but all other products should still function as normal.

"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," reads the statement.

Sony introduced the firmware update to combat the USB mod chip PS Jailbreak and to stop support for counterfeit and unlicensed controllers. Anyone who has a product that no longer works should get in touch with the manufacturer for clarification.

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I wonder if this update would qualify for a refund, in the same way that removing the linux support entitled people to get refunds.

Thanks Sony!!! :censored:

My MadCatz 6 Axis wireless gamepad bought new in Jan of this year no longer works with my PS3. Wouldn't mind too much but it is the only gamepad I had for the console. Glad I paid the extra to have an official blu-ray remote now otherwise would probably have to replace that too.

Have contacted MadCatz and will update if/when they come back to me.

UPDATE - 01/10/2010

Have an RMA number from MadCatz and will be posting the controller back soon. I hope its just them using their standard documentation but it goes on about must be in warrenty etc to effect a repair cause its not really a repair thats needed its a straight replacement for a version that works with PS3 3.5 update and even outside of warrenty I would be pushing this cause its nto my fault their product is now defective. Will have to wait and see what happens.

I think the statement is quite clear. “Not our problem.” I imagine Sony will say the same. The claim that equipment might explode is interesting. Perhaps Sony should recall the dangerous PS3s if their USB ports can cause a peripheral to catch fire. After all, the controllers being locked out must have passed EU requirements.
Sarcasm aside, I though USB was a ‘safe’ way to connect extras. I didn't realize that there was a risk if fire if I plugged the wrong device in. Surely there's a fuse or similar cut-out. It seems that some of the banned devices continue to work so the risk hasn't been mitigated.

Depends on the device attached.

USB has built in protection for “over current”, so that you cant damage the port, host or device by trying to draw more than 500mA, eg via a short circuit.

However, that doesnt mean devices couldnt explode for other reasons.

But Id find it highly unlikely and presumably Sony have proof, or at least substantial evidence, that devices might explode.

MadCatz issues statement on PS3 controller lock-out issue

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