Newest PSN firmware update 3.50 manages to disable or kill off a good number of non-Sony brand or licensed PS3 controllers.
Mad Catz confirms most of the pre-2008 controllers now won't work on an updated PS3 while their fighting pads and arcade sticks are guaranteed to still be working. Logitec controllers are not affected by the update due to being considered officially licensed by Sony. Rock Band instrumental controllers also assumed to not be affected by the update.
This update comes at the same day Sony warns consumers to not buy counterfeit or non-licensed controllers since they could catch on fire or explode while playing.
http://kotaku.com/5647346/ps3-update...tz-controllers
http://kotaku.com/5646780/sony-block...-of-explosions