Sony’s new PlayStation Vita handheld console, which was released in Japan during the past weekend, has already run into problems --- with the early users of the device complaining about unresponsive touchscreens, freezes, and crashes.

Despite the fact that the reporting of glitches in any new console is a common thing, the number of PS Vita complaints – which the users have voiced via Twitter and YouTube – have been so numerous that the experts have been taken by surprise.

With reports suggesting that more than 300,000 units of the PS Vita were sold over two days, the volley of complaints has prompted Sony to issue an apology for the issues affecting the console as well as a software update to resolve the problems.

The hype surrounding the release of the Vita – which features a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, dual cameras, a gyroscope, accelerometer and electronic compass - has been hampered to such an extent by the reported technical issues affecting the console that Sony has issued a statement of apology on its PlayStation site.

Noting that, as of now, the Sony information centre pertaining to PS Vita, and also the usual customer service centre of the company, is handling a number of enquiries, Sony said in its statement: “We apologize if your phone isn't connected straight away.” The company also added that a firmware update has been released, and all Vita users who wish to continue going online with the console should install it.