An error reported among a small number of PlayStation 4 users couldn't possibly get any worse: the bug doesn't allow users to play games or access any online PlayStation services, including apps like Netflix.
The "CE-33945-4" error message basically signifies that your console just became a $400 paperweight, at least until Sony manages to figure out a solution. Unfortunately, so far no solution exists. Sony earlier this week stated "We are aware of this account issue that has affected a very small number of users. We are currently investigating the cause of the issue and have made progress toward a possible solution."
The glitch causes a failure for the user's account to connect to PSN, in the process losing all game and app licenses tied to the account and rendering the user unable to effectively do anything on the PS4.
A Sony representative updated Kotaku on the situation by saying that they've made progress towards solving the glitch, but didn't elaborate on when the problem might be fixed or what exactly caused the problem.
Users on the PlayStation forums, and on sites like NeoGAF, have been attempting to put together the cause of the error themselves after becoming frustrated with Sony customer support's lack of response. Though it isn't known for sure, many believe that system-breaking glitch comes from pre-ordering a digital game on the PlayStation Network and then canceling it through Sony's customer support.
One user claims that purchasing the canceled game pre-order again will fix the issue, a less than satisfactory fix for those who wanted to back out of buying the game in the first place. Starting the console in safe mode, rebuilding the PS4 database and re-installing PS4 system software may fix the problem for some, but others are still reporting to have the bug after trying all the usual steps.
It is unclear exactly how many users are being affected, though hopefully it isn't anything close to the hardware-melting problems Microsoft experienced last generation with the "Red Ring of Death" for Xbox 360. That hardware failure resulted in hundreds of thousands of dead Xbox's and ultimately cost Microsoft billions of dollars as they extended warranties, offered free repairs and replaced consoles for those impacted.
Until a fix is found, it might be a good idea not to pre-order any games digitally via PSN, or even buy games on PSN in general. Better safe than sorry.
