As predicted, there was early-adopter outrage across the United States, as an estimated 40% of PSP units shipped with dead pixel 'issues' at the stateside launch of the long-awaited portable last week.
Although the problems with permanently dark or light pixels were a given for US PSP launch units, many purchasers reacted with surprise and anger, with the Internet igniting with discontent.
Sony Computer Entertainment America, however, has opted to deal with the issue in a slightly more amicable way to its Japanese counterpart, offering replacement screens and units to those dissatisfied with their new console.
The US PSP manual states, “Red, blue, or green spots (bright spots) or black spots (dark spots) may appear in certain locations on the LCD screen. The appearance of such spots is a normal occurrence associated with LCD screens and not a sign of malfunction. LCD screens are made using highly precise technology. However, a very small number of dark pixels or continuously lit pixels exist on each screen.” SCEA representatives have offered an official line that any PSP owners who, after a week or two, find that any dead pixel issues are causing them problems, will have their machine or its screen replaced free of charge, though the time-frame for the postal exchange service was not outlined.
SPOnG expects a similar program to be put into place when the PSP eventually launches in Europe, an event expected to take place in the next three months, though to date, no official line is available.