Some PlayStation 4 Systems Shipping Dead [UPDATE]

As we hear with nearly every major system launch, some PlayStation 4 systems have been showing up broken – making them a very expensive paper weight (kind of like the PS3 at launch even if it worked).

According to several sites, namely Kotaku (via twitter) and IGN, some of the new systems wouldn’t output an image through the HDMI port. This problem occurred on some systems right out of the box and popped up after downloading the day one patch on others. Obviously the systems are covered for 12 months through the “limited warranty,” but this is a hiccup for the PlayStation launch no matter what.

Keep in mind that every system launch has its hardware and software issues, especially these days where cost is such an issue and system technology continues to leap exponentially. These are typically considered growing pains and rarely turn into something as dire as last generation’s overheating problems. The level of damage this will do to Sony’s launch image is going to be directly dependent on how the company handles the replacement of bricked consoles.

Keep your browser locked to GameSkinny all weekend as I play way too much PlayStation 4 and then obsessively write about my likes and dislikes.

Sound off in the comments down below and let me know if you think this will impact the PlayStation 4 launch in a negative way. Do you think this could give Microsoft the edge in the console wars?

UPDATE: President of Worldwide Studios for Sony Computer Entertainment and general awesome person, Shuhei Yoshida said over Twitter that the PS4 issues are being investigated. He says the number of systems experiencing issues are minimal compared to the number shipped and seem to be isolated. I reached out for some clarification as to what “isolated” means in this context and will update when and if he or SCE gets back to me.

Be assured we are investigating reported PS4 issues. The number is very small compared to shipped, we believe they are isolated incidents.

— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) November 14, 2013

UPDATE #2: Sony has issued a statement to IGN that is as follows:

“A handful of people have reported issues with their PlayStation 4 systems. This is within our expectations for a new product introduction, and the vast majority of PS4 feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are closely monitoring for additional reports, but we think these are isolated incidents and are on track for a great launch.”

It’s encouraging that Sony seems to be paying attention to this problem, as opposed to some other snafus in the past (PSN hack anyone?). We’ll see within the next few days how Sony handles the broken consoles, and if it is something that the general PlayStation public needs to be concerned with.