Sony Sued Again Over PS Store Prices That Are Too High — Now in the Netherlands

The Dutch consumer protection foundation Massaschade & Consument (M&C) has filed a class action lawsuit against Sony, accusing the Japanese platform holder of inflating prices for goods on the digital PS Store.

Image source: PlayStation

According to Massaschade & Consument, Sony is abusing its dominant position in the country’s market by forcing three million Dutch PS Store users to overpay for games and in-game content for years.

This is because since 2019, purchasing PS Store products has only been possible through Sony — previously, digital game codes were also available for purchase from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop.

The so-called Sony tax amounts to up to 47% – that’s how much more expensive the digital versions of the 100 best-selling PS4 and PS5 games are in the Dutch PS Store than their retail counterparts, according to an independent study.

Image source: Massaschade & Consumment

M&C acknowledges that Sony has a right to make money, but consumers also deserve fair prices. The fund calls the platform holder’s actions a violation of local and European competition laws and demands compensation for players.

The first hearing in the case is expected before the end of this year. Residents of the Netherlands who made purchases from the PS Store can register for a “Sony tax refund” via the M&C website.

In December 2024, Sony agreed to pay $7.85 million to settle a similar class action in the US. And in November 2023, the Competition Appeal Tribunal gave the green light to a similar case in the UK.