PlayStation users could get cash or wallet credits as $7.85 million class settlement advances - check who is eligible, how to claim and how much you may get

A long-running legal dispute between Sony PlayStation and millions of gamers is nearing resolution after a US court granted preliminary approval to a $7.85 million class action settlement. The case centers on Sony's 2019 decision to stop selling digital game download cards through third-party retailers like Amazon, GameStop, and Walmart, which plaintiffs argued led to higher prices and fewer choices. Sony has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that its practices did not violate antitrust laws. The settlement has undergone multiple revisions, with a final agreement reached in February 2026. Eligibility is limited to US residents who purchased qualifying game vouchers between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, with specific criteria including the availability of vouchers before April 1, 2019, and a price increase of at least 50 cents after the change. Major titles such as Madden NFL 17 and The Last of Us Remastered are included in the settlement list. Over 4.4 million users are automatically included, with those wishing to opt out required to submit a request by July 2, 2026. If finalized, compensation will be distributed through PlayStation Store digital wallets for active users or by mail for those no longer on the PlayStation Network. The exact payout per person has not been determined, with up to 25% of the fund allocated to attorneys' fees. The final hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026.

(Source：The Economic Times)