Sony has pulled the latest firmware update for the PlayStation 3 following complaints from users that it rendered the system useless.

Version 2.40 was released on 2 July, but was removed from Sony's servers later in the day following reports of problems.

Sony claimed that only a small number of consumers experienced issues with installing the patch, but the firm has temporarily suspended the download while it attempts to identify the problem.

It is not known whether affected PS3 owners will be able to repair the console themselves or have to return it to Sony to be fixed.

"In order to further assess the issue we have temporarily taken the firmware offline for further testing," Sony said in a statement.

"We are working diligently to isolate the problem for those few consumers and to identify a solution before we put the firmware back up."

The 2.40 update was set to add Trophies and in-game access to the main system menu, among other features.