If you own an older version of Sony"s Playstation 3 console (you know, the one that"s really heavy and not all that slim) you might want to wait about paying $60 to get the newly released crime action game LA Noire. According to a report at VG247.com, the older PS3 machines may have some issues running the newest game from publisher Rockstar Games.
The report is based on forum posts that suggest a small number of older PS3 consoles (the ones with the 60 GB and 80 GB hard drives) are dealing with various issues while playing the new and acclaimed game from developer Team Bondi for extended period. Those issues include the game freezing, crashing and having the console itself shut down. Overheating issues seem to be the culprit.
The report also suggests that issues with the new PS3 3.61 firmware update (released to owners just before the Playstation Network was restored) might be causing at least some of the problems but that has not been confirmed. Rockstar Games says it will update gamers on this issue but at the same time they also ask those with problems with their PS3 console to contact Sony directly.
Oddly enough, owners of older Xbox 360 consoles who have downloaded a previously released firmware update are having issues as well playing game disks. Microsoft can detect which Xbox consoles that are having issues running under the update and will offer those owners a new Xbox 360 Slim with a 250 GB hard drive as a replacement.
Update: Rockstar and Sony have issued a joint statement on the official Rockstar web site. It does state, "We have received a very small number of customer support questions about PS3’s overheating or shutting down while playing L.A. Noire." Neither the game nor the new 3.61 PS3 update is to blame, according to the statement. It did add, "We are both committed to working hard to find solutions to this and any issues that may arise."