The Dutch consumer rights protection organization Massaschade & Consument has taken Sony to court over the high prices of digital games on the PlayStation Store. According to the foundation, Sony sells digital games at prices that are 50% higher compared to the same games on physical discs.
Why is this price difference happening? The digital versions of PlayStation games can only be purchased from Sony’s own store—PS Store. With no alternative options, Sony has the power to set its own prices, and gamers have no choice but to comply. The foundation refers to this extra cost as the "Sony tax."
The lawsuit is filed on behalf of 3 million PlayStation users. If the court rules against Sony, gamers could receive 20-25% compensation. The foundation is also calling on Dutch gamers to join the legal process.
It’s worth noting that similar lawsuits against Sony have occurred before. In 2021, gamers in the U.S. filed a case against Sony, but the court ruled in Sony’s favor. In 2023, a similar lawsuit was filed in the UK, and the case is still ongoing.
