Sony blames user error for cases of overheated Vitas

The Japanese government is looking into the PlayStation Vita after numerous complaints of overheating.

So far 31 cases of the overheating have been reported since the handheld's launch, totaling 23 in Japan and eight across the US, Europe, and Australia.

The National Institute of Technology and Evaluation is investigating the matter.

Users on Internet forums have reported that the problem occurs when the Vita is charging, causing the cable to "burn out."

A list of cases across Japan claims, "The portable game machine was recharging. The cable burned out and changed colors. The cause is under investigation.”

Sony has acknowledged the complaints, but chocks them up to owners charging the handheld after "exposing the Vita's multi-use cable to liquids or foreign substances."

“We believe the cause [of the burnouts] is that the cable got wet or had something stuck to it,” Sony said in a statement. “There is no defect.”

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[Wired]