(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Fake PlayStation 3 controllers might be cheap, but that doesn't change them from being totally phony. Sony is doing what it can to render counterfeit PS3 controllers utterly useless.

On Sony's consumer alerts page, the company states that counterfeit PS3 controllers have been "discovered in the market".

The page reads: "SCEA advises consumers to be cautious when buying PlayStation 3 Wireless Controllers from uncertain sources as the quality, reliability and safety of counterfeit products is uncertain, and in some cases, may be dangerous." According to Sony, some counterfeit controllers could "ignite or explode".

Continuing, Sony states that it "does not support continued functionality of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers in system software updates and these devices may cease to function in the future because of system software updates."

The recent firmware update, 3.50, apparently rectifies the problem of counterfeit controllers. "3.50 blocks unlicensed controllers only, so should have no effect on licensed controllers," a Sony spokesperson tells Kotaku. "I would recommend anyone with issues with their licensed controllers to contact customer care."

Fake PS3 controllers are not new and have been available for some time now. Sony is not referring to licensed third-party controllers.

Sony Blocks Fake Controllers, Warns Of Explosions Want to know if your controller is a fake? There are helpful walkthroughs on YouTube. You could watch them. Or you could just plug you PS3 controller in and see if it works after the firmware update.

[ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mji_PLB7Tb0&feature=player_embeddedYouTube]YouTube - How to spot a fake ps3 controller (white)[/ame] - How to spot a fake ps3 controller (white)