Vita complaints prompt government investigation in Japan

The Japanese government has ordered an investigation into the PlayStation Vita hardware following numerous complaints of overheating.

According to on the Japanese website Yomiuri Shimbun, via Wired, there have been 31 cases of Vita's overheating since the device launched: 23 in Japan, and 8 across the US, Europe and Australia.

An investigation into the matter will be conducted by the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, an independent body working on behalf of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

A list of the cases, which occurred in various parts of Japan at various times, has been posted on several internet forums. The description suggests that the problem occurs while the Vita is charging, causing the charge cable to "burn out."

Sony Japan acknowledged the complaints in an official press release, though it claims the problem is due to users charging their Vitas after, "exposing the Vita's multi-use cable to liquids or foreign substances."