Sony reportedly sold about 321,000 PlayStation Vita units over the weekend, but it was forced to issue an apology after some buyers experienced glitches with the devices, including frozen screens.
As reported by Reuters, Japanese research firm Enterbrain estimates that Sony sold 321,400 PlayStation Vita consoles during its first two days in stores. The next-gen device hit Japan on Dec. 17 and is scheduled to debut in the U.S. in February.
But as Reuters noted, those numbers are less than the 371,000 3DS handhelds that Nintendo sold in the first two days, and the 3DS has not exactly been considered a runaway hit.
Those who did purchase a PlayStation Vita, meanwhile, soon reported bugs with their new toys. Kotaku posted a few YouTube videos (see one below) that illustrate these glitches, including frozen screens and Vitas that refuse to shut down.
In a translated statement on its Web site, Sony apologized for any inconvenience the buggy devices were causing, and offered a few workarounds for the problems, which also included no power, as well as the inability to pinpoint location or register a PlayStation Network account.
For those with inactive screens, Sony suggested holding down the power button for at least 20 seconds. There is also a software update (1.5) available that provides access to some PSN features.
In advance of the Vita release, Sony last month released a PS3 system software update (v4.00) that transformed the console into a content management device. It let gamers copy games, photos, videos, and music between the two devices, back up Vita games and game data to the PS3 hard drive, and update the PS Vita's system software using the PS3's network features.
Sony unveiled the Vita, previously known as the PlayStation Portable 2, at this year's E3 gaming conference. The device has an OLED touch screen, dual analog sticks, back-mounted touch panels, and front- and back-facing cameras. It also includes a number of downloadable social apps, including those for Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and Skype.
The device hits U.S. shores on Feb. 22, but those who purchase a special bundle can get it a week early. 3G will be available through AT&T for $299.99, while the Wi-Fi-only option will be $249.99.
For more, see PCMag's hands on with an early version of the PlayStation Vita and the slideshow above, as well as our roundup of the 10 Most Anticipated PS Vita Games.