Sony has launched the PSP-3000, the new PlayStation Portable model, in an effort to boost the sales of its handheld device and to make it more attractive to developers. The PSP is doing pretty well in Japan but, on other markets, people are more attracted to the Nintendo DS, while most videogame developers are now avoiding to create games for the Sony-made piece of hardware.

The new version was said to expand the experience of the user by adding a built-in microphone, better controls and, most importantly, a better screen and re-designed battery. The good news is that the PSP-3000 is now available. The bad news is that there are some serious issues with its screen.

Many players are now complaining that there are very visible scan lines that appear when the device is used in a wide array of conditions, but especially in environments with little to no light.

An anonymous Sony representative responded to complaints via the PSP Fanboy site, saying that, “On some occasions, scan lines may appear on scenes where brightness changes drastically, due to the hardware features of the new LCD device on PSP-3000.” He went on to detail that the lines “have come out to be more visible as a result of improving response time to alleviate the afterimages on PSP-3000.” In other words, Sony has managed to solve one problem with the screen while introducing another one.

Users will have to find a way of dealing with the scan lines, as Sony is saying that no software patch can eliminate the issue. Reports of such problems might prove very damaging for the company, as Nintendo is preparing to launch the DSi, an improved handheld boasting two cameras and other various improvements. If its launch is problem-free, then Nintendo might gain the upper hand on the portable gaming consoles market over Sony.