Update: Sony has reached out to us to clarify the number of units that could be subject to failure. According to a representative, the .04 percent number we were provided is incorrect by a magnitude of ten. The correct anticipated percentage of units that will suffer from problems is .4 percent. Based on a projection of five million units sold by end of fiscal year (March 31, 2014), that accounts for approximately 20,000 units with hardware problems. 

Original Story:

This morning, we had a chance to speak with Sony about the reports that emerged overnight about some PlayStation 4 units failing. The news has surfaced on Reddit, by a user with the name of “arogon1416” sharing that his early unit received from a promotion simply pulsates with a blue light on the indicator.

Additionally, a user shared a Vine of his early unit (acquired from a retailer) with the same problem. Another posted a video on YouTube showing how he connected the device and the results. We asked Sony about the matter.

“A handful of people have reported issues with their PlayStation 4 systems,” a representative told Game Informer. “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.”

During our chat, the representative shared that the number of failed units is expected to be .04 percent of those shipped. If you have experienced a failed unit, please let us know.

[Source: Reddit]

Our Take
During any launch hardware and software problems rise to the surface. We’re keeping an eye on the reports, but so far the numbers seem low. It’s important to remember that we’re in a pre-launch environment with proportionally very few units in the wild. Any problems that we’re hearing about now do represent a more significant percentage now than they likely will tomorrow.