Sony’s fix for PS4 error ‘CE-34878-0’

Yesterday, reports of PlayStation 4 error code "CE-34878-0" began spreading throughout the internet. Though the problem has apparently been an issue since December 2013, the now 34-page thread on the PlayStation Forum has finally gained some traction — this is apparently a big problem.

According to user reports, the error has resulted in corrupted save files across a number of PS4 games, including NBA 2K14, Battlefield 4, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and Call of Duty: Ghosts. It also can prevent a user from starting any application on the PS4, rendering the console completely unusable.

Sony hasn't yet posted any official message regarding the error, but over the PlayStation Support site the company does offer a few steps you can follow as a potential fix. First off, Sony explains that the CE-34878-0 error code means an "Application has crashed" — in case you can't already tell from the blue screen on your console. So if you do run into the problem here's what Sony recommends.

Step 1: Close the application, install the latest system software and game update, and restart the system.

Step 2: If the error occurs again, back up your saved data, and then go to [Settings] > [Initialization] and choose [Initialize PS4].

We've *knock on wood* yet to encounter such an error but judging by the 34 pages of complaints, I'm assuming it's pretty widespread.