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My Screen Is Stuck on Press PS Button

The PlayStation 3, released in the United States in 2006, includes more features than its predecessors, such as a hard drive and a front end menu. However, with extra features comes extra potential for something to go wrong with your PlayStation 3, prompting the need for a system restore. If your screen ends up becoming stuck on the "Press PS Button," there are a few things you can attempt to fix it.

PS Button
- A new addition to the PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 controller, the PS button is located in the center of your controller. On the button is the PlayStation logo where it derives its name; the PS stands for PlayStation. This button is used for a variety of purposes, namely turning the controller on and allowing you to quit back to the PlayStation 3 main menu from any application. When restoring a PlayStation 3, the PS button is a required part of the process.
System Restore
- A system restore completely wipes out the PlayStation 3's hard drive, restoring it to factory settings. This can be good for a few reasons, such as erasing the hard drive when you've bought the system used or when your PlayStation 3 encounters a fatal error. A system restore can be performed at any time from the "Settings" menu on your PlayStation 3's main menu. At the end of the system restore, you are required to press the PS button on your PlayStation 3 controller to finalize the process.
Check Controller
- If you are pressing the PS button and your system is not reacting to it, your PlayStation 3 becomes stuck on the "Press PS Button" prompt. Make sure your controller is charged properly. If the controller is not turning on, connect it to the PlayStation 3 using the included USB cable. Once the controller is charged, the red light on the top of the controller will turn on. Verify as well that your PlayStation 3 controller is synced to the PlayStation 3 on which you are performing a system restore.
Check USB Cable
- If the red light on the controller does not turn on, the USB cable or the PlayStation 3 could be at fault. Examine the cable for any faults, such as any tears in the cable. The PlayStation 3 controller can be charged in any PC with a USB slot as well. No additional software is needed; just plug in the USB end of the cable into any USB slot on a PC. If the controller is not charging, replace the USB cable.
Brand of Controller
- When performing a system restore, only official Sony first party controllers can finish the process. While many third party controllers, such as those by Mad Catz, feature an equivalent to the PS Button, this will not work when performing a system restore. Purchase or borrow an official Sony PlayStation 3 DualShock controller before attempting a system restore.

PlayStation 3