UK PlayStation Users Launch Class Action Against Sony, Court Scheduled for 2026

A class action lawsuit against Sony in the UK has been officially confirmed and is set to begin on March 2, 2026, lasting approximately eight weeks. In this case, Sony is accused of unlawful practices due to its high prices for digital content, including add-ons. The claim was brought forward by consumer rights advocate Alex Neil, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the field and has dedicated her efforts to bringing about change for UK consumers. Neil frequently speaks at various industry events regarding consumer issues and serves as the sole director of “Alex Neil Collective Representation,” a nonprofit organization specifically formed to pursue legal action against Sony.

Although the trial seems far off, Alex explained that the date was determined based on the time required for both parties to exchange evidence, expert reports, and prepare the case, as well as the court's processing time.

This class action is based on claims from individuals who owned Sony PlayStation consoles between August 19, 2016, and August 19, 2022, and those who purchased digital PlayStation games or made in-game purchases through the PlayStation Store. The plaintiffs argue that PlayStation holds a dominant position in the digital distribution of games and in-game content, allowing it to charge UK customers excessively. While Sony has the right to profit from its products, the plaintiffs claim they are in violation of UK and EU competition laws due to their "near-monopoly" status in digital game sales.

Additionally, Sony has imposed strict terms and conditions on game developers and publishers, enabling it to set prices for digital games and charge a 30% commission on every digital game and in-game content purchase. This practice leads to high and unfair prices for consumers. The group believes that by charging such high fees, customers end up paying excessive amounts, which negatively impacts them, especially when competitors are forced to raise their prices to remain competitive.

Anyone eligible can register to participate in this class action lawsuit. If successful, those who sign up could receive compensation from Sony.