Sony faces $2.7 billion UK lawsuit over PlayStation pricing

The class action, which represents an estimated 12.2 million UK consumers, claims Sony holds a dominant position in the market for digital PlayStation games and in-game purchases

Sony is confronting a major antitrust lawsuit in the UK that could leave the company liable for around $2.7 billion over allegations it overcharged PlayStation users for digital content.

The class action, which represents an estimated 12.2 million UK consumers, claims Sony holds a dominant position in the market for digital PlayStation games and in-game purchases.

According to Endgaget, the lawsuit contends that Sony “occupies a dominant position in relation to the digital distribution of PlayStation games and in-game content and that it has been unfairly charging its UK customers too much for digital games and in-game content purchased through the PlayStation Store.”

The legal filing further alleges that Sony “has a near monopoly” over add-on content and digital game distribution through the PlayStation Store.

According to Endgaget, the claim argues that this control has enabled the company to set prices unchallenged and collect a 30% commission on sales made through its storefront.

The case covers individuals in the UK who owned a PlayStation console and bought digital titles or made in-game purchases via the PlayStation Store between August 19, 2016 and February 12, 2026. Structured as an opt-out class action, eligible consumers are automatically included unless they choose to withdraw. If the case succeeds, each claimant could receive compensation of approximately £162 ($217), according to Endgaget.

Sony has defended its business practices, maintaining that restricting downloads to its own store helps safeguard user security and privacy. The company has also argued that revenue from digital sales commissions offsets the slim margins it earns from hardware sales, according to Endgaget.