How To Totally Fix PS5 Error Code (CE-108255-1)
PS5 error code CE-108255-1 is a nightmare for gamers. It typically pops up when launching or playing a game, often with the message:
“Something went wrong with this game or app.”
But it doesn’t just show up once—it keeps coming back, often making games completely unplayable. Some users report specific games like NBA 2K23 or Call of Duty: Cold War crashing instantly, while others see the error on multiple titles or even brand-new installations.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what causes CE-108255-1, and—more importantly—how real players and tech experts have successfully fixed it. Whether it’s a one-game problem or a system-wide nightmare, we’ve got you covered.
What Causes Error CE-108255-1 on PS5?
Before jumping into the solutions, it’s useful to understand what’s behind this error. According to expert breakdowns and hundreds of player reports across Reddit and forums, CE-108255-1 is typically caused by:
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Corrupted game or app data
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Software/firmware mismatches
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Faulty or overheating SSD controller
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HDCP or language conflicts
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Storage drive errors (especially internal SSD)
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Severe database or system corruption
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Underlying hardware failure
Let’s walk through every known working solution, directly informed by real Reddit users, YouTube teardown experts, and official PlayStation advice.
Working Solutions for CE-108255-1 (With Real User Insights)
1. Rebuild Database & Clear Cache
This is one of the most common first steps.
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Power off your PS5.
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Hold the power button until you hear two beeps (this boots into Safe Mode).
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Connect your controller via USB.
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Choose:
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Option 5: Clear Cache and Rebuild Database
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While this didn’t work for some Reddit users, others mentioned it resolved crashes tied to system-level file corruption.
“I tried clearing the cache and rebuilding the database before a factory reset, and while it didn’t fix everything, it did make some games stop crashing.” – Reddit user
2. Update Game and System Software
From your PS5:
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Go to Settings → System → System Software → System Software Update and Settings and install any updates.
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Also check for game-specific updates:
Go to the game icon → Press Options → Check for Update.
Several Reddit users stated this fixed their issues, especially if the game had recently received a patch.
“After I updated the PS5 system and reinstalled the game, it finally stopped crashing. Guess it was a bad patch before.” – Reddit user on NBA 2K23
3. Reinstall the Affected Game
Sometimes the issue is game-specific due to corrupted files or failed downloads.
Steps:
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Delete the game via Settings → Storage → Console Storage → Games and Apps.
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Restart your PS5.
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Reinstall the game from disc or Library.
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Launch after updates are fully installed.
“Reinstalling NBA 2K23 worked for me. But the PS4 versions of games like Witcher 3 or Days Gone still crashed no matter what.” – Reddit user
4. Try an External SSD (Especially for Suspected Hardware Faults)
Some users believe the internal SSD is the issue, possibly due to thermal paste degradation or controller chip failures.
Workaround:
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Install your game onto an external SSD or USB 3.0 external drive.
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Play the game from the external storage.
“Everything I installed on the internal SSD crashed with that error, but games worked fine from an external SSD. The internal drive might be failing.” – Reddit user
Note: If this works for you, you may still want to contact Sony Support or plan a long-term fix.
5. Use the PlayStation Mobile App Trick
This unusual but surprisingly effective fix was shared on Reddit.
Steps:
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Factory reset the console.
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Re-add your account using the PlayStation app’s QR code scanner.
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Reinstall the game.
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Launch it via the app’s “Play on Console” feature.
“I tried everything, and the ONLY thing that worked was linking my account via the mobile app and launching the game from there. Crazy, but it worked.” – Reddit user
6. Change System Language & Match Game Language Packs
Some language packs are known to cause conflicts—particularly in games like Call of Duty.
Fix:
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Go to Settings → System → Language → Console Language.
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Set it to English (United States).
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Check the game’s Manage Game Content section for missing language files and download them.
“Switching to English (US) and redownloading the language pack fixed Cold War crashing every time.” – Reddit user
7. Disable HDCP
If you’re using a capture card or external monitor setup, HDCP can sometimes interfere with game output.
Fix:
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Go to Settings → System → HDMI → Disable HDCP.
“Disabling HDCP fixed the issue with one of my capture setups—it was throwing CE-108255-1 constantly.” – Reddit user
8. Full Factory Reset (Use with Caution)
This is the most drastic fix—and results have been mixed. One Reddit user reported no games would work after resetting, while others say it finally solved the problem.
Steps:
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Back up your saved data via PS Plus or USB.
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Go to Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Your Console.
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Reinstall everything from scratch.
“Factory reset helped me, but it’s risky. Back up everything first—some people reported it bricked their installs.” – Reddit comment
9. Contact PlayStation Support / Repair
If you’ve tried all software solutions and the error persists on multiple games, it’s likely a hardware failure.
What you can do:
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Submit a repair request via PlayStation Hardware Support.
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If you’re under warranty, Sony often covers it for free.
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If out of warranty, users reported repair quotes of £70–100, and up to £210 for SSD replacements.
“I ended up replacing the whole console after being quoted over £200 for SSD replacement. But if you’re under warranty, definitely go that route.” – Reddit user
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Concerned?
While CE-108255-1 can be frustrating and sometimes scary, the majority of cases are fixable. Some users were able to resolve it with a simple game reinstall or system update, while others had to use more technical or unconventional methods.
If you’ve tried all the above steps and still experience the issue, it may be time to contact Sony for a professional inspection or replacement. Hardware faults are rare but increasingly reported, particularly with SSD failures on older or heavily used consoles.
Did you manage to fix CE-108255-1 using one of these steps? Let us know in the comments—your story might help another gamer save hours of frustration.
