PlayStation owners could be owed over £500 amid Sony claim

Consumer champion Alex Neil has launched a £5 billion lawsuit against Sony claiming the company overcharged UK customers for games and in-game purchases over a six year period.

If the claim is successful Brits who owned a PlayStation console between August 19, 2016 and August 19, 2022 could be in for a pay-out of between £67 and £562.

If you owned a PlayStation between 2016 and 2022 you could be entitled to a sum from the £5 billion lawsuit against Sony. (Image: PA)

What the claim against Sony is about

Ms Neil, via the website PlayStation You Owes Us, explains: "Essentially, since at least 19 August 2016, we believe that Sony has been exploiting its UK customers, by charging them too much for PlayStation digital games and in-game content via its control over the entire PlayStation ecosystem."

She adds that while companies making a profit isn't wrong, "unlawful behaviour at the expense of their customers is".

The claim says Sony used its "near monopoly on the sale of digital games and add-on content through its control of the PlayStation Store" to enforce strict terms and conditions.

As a result, the company set excessive and unfair prices to consumers which Ms Neil believes to be a breach of competition law.

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How PlayStation owners can claim to receive nearly £600

If you owned a PlayStation console between August 19, 2016 and August 19, 2022 and purchased a digital game or made an in-game purchase you are entitled to be a part of the claim against Sony and could receive anywhere between £67 and £562.

The good news is, you don't have to do anything to claim the money back.

If you qualify, you will automatically be included in the claim and receive the appropriate compensation. 

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When PlayStation owners can expect payment

Ms Neil said her and lawyers Milberg London LLP would be pushing Sony to settle "as soon as possible so that consumers get their money back in a timely manner". 

However, if Sony refuses to settle, a trial has been listed for March 2, 2026 (estimated to run for around eight weeks).

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on the claim visit the PlayStation You Owe Us website (a link to which can be found above).