No console launch is perfect. We've seen evidence of such with broken disc drives and even more bizarre problems for the Xbox One, and new reports show that Microsoft's next-gen console isn't the only problematic platform.
A fair amount of gamers have taken to Reddit, NeoGAF, and the PlayStation Forums to complain about a bizarre grid taking over a portion of the screen, but it doesn't end there. As one Redditor suffering from the problem said, this lovely little problem also apparently disables the audio, and the controller ceases to function.
"This happens when i turn my playstation on so i dont even make it to the home screen...The error that comes up is ce-34878-0." According to the PlayStation Knowledge Center, that particular error means a crashed application, and the recommended solution is to "close the application, install the latest system software and game update, and restart the system. If the error occurs again, back up your saved data, and then go to [Settings] > [Initialization] and choose [Initialize PS4]." Unfortunately, this just doesn't seem to cut the mustard.
While no one from Sony has yet provided a clear reason for the problem, most seem to think the issue is related to the console's GPU, and have recommending returning the system.
While the problem doesn't seem widespread according to accounts, there's at least enough reports that it seems like a legitimate problem. And then, there are the odder problems.
Case in point with this gentleman who had a shocking exchange with his own Sony device. PS4 owner Bogusm is reporting the following dilemma:
"The first time I tried to eject a game disc I got an electric shock when pressing the eject button on my Playstation 4. After that I get an electric shock almost every time. Feels like touching an electric fence. I am not sure I dare letting my kid use the PS4 any more. Should I return the unit or what?"
It's surely cause for concern when any device sends a jolt of electricity through your body, but what makes me a bit more ill at ease is that this fine father seemed content to continue using it. I picture the scenario playing out like the opening of "Office Space," with Bogsum looking at the PS4's eject button with that same scorn Ron Livington gave the cursed doorknob to the side entrance. Until that one day, when Bogsum could take it no longer, finally relenting and taking to the PlayStation Forum to ask for advice.
Amazingly, helpful advice was quick to follow, going far beyond "buy a good pair of rubber gloves." Wrote a Support Coordinator, "Sorry to hear of the issues you have been having with your PS4. Obviously any potential electric discharge from the console could be dangerous so I would advise you to disconnect the unit from the power supply and then contact PlayStation Support. They will be able to arrange for a replacement console and also inspect your damaged unit. Due to the potential harm electrical discharge could cause we would like to inspect your console to try to identify the cause."
So let's see here...
Multiple owners complaining of an odd pattern that's seemingly the result of a faulty internal hardware, and nothing from Sony. But a lone individual asking whether or not he should return a device that's sending ELECTRIC CURRENT through his body? Sony's on it quicker than white on rice.
