And just like that, it was over. When we crossed 00:00 GMT, PlayStation 3s previously impacted by the crazy trophy install issues and bad clock setting and all that other junk started clearing up. PlayStation 3 hardware began returning to normal. And all was apparently right with the world (unless you're following this developing Infinity Ward story that Patrick Klepek's talking about on G4, which sounds kind of intense).
Uh... where was I. Oh, right. Here's Sony's statement about the situation:
We are aware that the internal clock functionality in the PS3 units other than the slim model, recognized the year 2010 as a leap year. Having the internal clock date change from February 29 to March 1 (both GMT), we have verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally.
If the time displayed on the XMB is still incorrect, users are able to adjust time settings manually or via the internet.
I'd guess that someone's tearing through whatever internal bit of code caused this to happen and is making sure it won't happen again. Maybe we'll get another firmware update out of all this! Woo!