Sony has withdrawn its latest firmware update for the PlayStation 3, following widespread reports that its installation caused some users’ console to stop working.

According to reports, the new 4.45 system software causes the console’s on-screen navigation to fade away.

Sony was cited by BBC as saying that it was probing the cause of issue, which had affected a few machines globally.

"Users should await further instructions and a downloadable system update rather than try to fix the issue, the company said.

"We apologise for the inconvenience."

Sony’s gaming business had steadily improved from the rage of gamers after its gaming network was hit with hacking attacks in 2011.

In February 2013, Sony introduced the new PlayStation 4 gaming console, which would be a successor to seven-year-old PlayStation 3 and it is claimed to be $100 or £100 cheaper than its rival, Microsoft’s Xbox One gaming console.

Sony and Microsoft are working to launch their consoles before Christmas this year.