Just got a brand new PS3 because of Skyrim and upon starting a new game, it becomes unplayable quickly.

The audio drops out, the video is fine.

But it gets worse and worse, as the audio begins to drop out more frequently, and eventually you cannot do anything. Then the lag starts.

I've heard of lag problems far into the game, but this is right at the beginning (while creating a character).

My other games work perfectly, no issues there. And the same Skyrim disc worked perfectly on another PS3.

Is it the new update?

Yes it's most likely the new update cause PS3 users have started to call the new update virus 1.7. also welcome to the fourms.

Talk about adding insult to injury, going out and buying a brand new PS3...just for Skyrim Your sure going to wish, that you'd come here first, since Skyrim plays better on the other 2 platforms ( all things being equal ) and with virus 1.07 it's now worse than it was before for many.

EDIT: Welcome to the forums

Well. The thing is, my old roommate had a PS3, and I went out and bought Skyrim because I had played other Elder Scrolls games on a PC (and they are amazing). He moved out, so I'm left Skyrim-less.

I figured rather than buying an XBOX, or a PC, and Skyrim, I might as well buy a PS3.

And thanks for the welcome.

Agreed it is the virus taking holdof your system and choking the life out of it.
Welcome to the forums. good luck. you are going to need it.

Well if you wanted a supportive commuinty then picking the PS3 is a good choice, but if you wanted the game to work better than on the PS3 and get a supportive community then the PC is the better choice.