It will be interesting to see how this type of situation would be handled in the XBox One, which can't play games unless you're checking in online. It's not like you'd avoid connecting in order to see if people have problems with a patch.
Probably much like Windows updates, which come out regularly without issue. Microsoft has a pretty good track record and decades of operational experience around this kind of thing.
Back in 2011 there was an update to the 360 that bricked consoles. Microsoft sent out replacements to people affected. So it's not unthinkable.
I imagine more people would be affected if the machine is always on, since the updates could be applied even if you're not using the machine and would likely be required in order to connect.
To add an anecdote to this, I had a bricked Xbox 360 due to the famous "red ring of death" within the first two years of its life. Shipped the broken system to Microsoft and received a brand new one in two weeks from Microsoft that has worked ever since. Failing hardware sucks, but the way Microsoft handled it was great.
If you've paid for PS+ your PS3 will switch itself on in the middle of the night (optionally; you can disable it) to sync, download and install queued titles and most importantly apply patches.
I wonder how many people woke up to broken consoles?
But really, you can unplug the new Xbox, it's just that if the situation goes on for more than 24hrs you won't be able to play anything (Sony 'resolved' the situation within hours by removing the problem patch).
" But really, you can unplug the new Xbox, it's just that if the situation goes on for more than 24hrs you won't be able to play anything (Sony 'resolved' the situation within hours by removing the problem patch). "
not sure what you mean by 'resolved' when scores of people are complaining Sony just bricked their consoles.
If you want to try to prevent your Xbox One from receiving the broken update by unplugging it from the network, then you will still be able to play your games so long as Microsoft pull the update within 24 hours like Sony have done. As soon as they do that, it's safe to connect again.
"Automatic Update gives you the choice to receive the latest PS3™ system software and all your latest game updates without lifting a finger. It can enable automated Trophy sync and game saves with PlayStation®Network or deliver selected game and video content directly to your console."
