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How to Brick Your PS3

If, while updating the firmware on your PS3 system, the update process is interrupted, the system's firmware may become corrupted. Without a properly installed firmware, the system cannot be used for any of its normal functions and is known as a "bricked" system. While in a bricked state, however, the system's firmware can be downgraded to a previous firmware, making it desirable in some instances. The best way to prevent yourself from bricking your console is to understand how to brick your console, though these steps should not be executed unless you want to purposefully brick your PS3 system.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn on your PS3 system and scroll over to the Settings section of the XrossMediaBar.
- 2
  Scroll up to the System Update option and press the "X" button. Highlight the "Update via Internet" option and press the "X" button to search for any PS3 firmware updates.
- 3
  Highlight the "Yes" option and press the "X" button to begin downloading the firmware update. When the update is finished downloading, the words "Installing Update" appear on the screen and the system begins installing the update.
- 4
  Pull the power cord out from the back of your PS3 system while it is installing the firmware. If the system's power is cut off while it is installing a firmware update, the update will not install correctly, leaving your system without any firmware and leaving you with a bricked console.

PlayStation 3