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Sony Settles on Misleading PlayStation Vita Ads, Early Adopters Get Partial Refund - News

by William D'Angelo , posted on 25 November 2014 / 4,295 Views

Sony Computer Entertainment America was charged with false advertising about the 'game changing' feature of the PlayStation Vita when the handheld first launched in 2011. Sony has now agreed on a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

Sony will no longer be allowed to create misleading advertisement in the future. Also people who purchased a PlayStation Vita before June 1, 2012 in the US will either get a $25 refund or a $50 voucher on select games and/or services.

"As we enter the year's biggest shopping period, companies need to be reminded that if they make product promises to consumers -- as Sony did with the "game changing" features of its PS Vita -- they must deliver on those pledges," said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "The FTC will not hesitate to act on behalf of consumers when companies or advertisers make false product claims."

When the PlayStation Vita first launched advertisements claimed the handheld would enable consumers to play their PlayStation 3 games using 'remote play.' The ads also stated that users would be able to play a game on the PlayStation 3 and then continue on the go with the Vita. The Federal Trade Commission claimed this was misleading.

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A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. Outside, in the real world, he has a passion for the outdoors which includes everything from hiking to having received his B.A. in Environmental Studies. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.


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7 Comments
greenmedic88 (on 25 November 2014)

Hadn't really occurred to me even as a first day PSV owner, but SCE never did deliver on PS3 remote play. I was impressed that it worked as advertised on the PS4, but the PSV and remote play was supposed to predate that. Now that I think about it, I might have tried once in 2011 or 2012 to check out remote play on the PS3 and when it didn't work, I never gave it a second thought until I tried it again with the PS4 in 2013.

  • 0
Mr Puggsly (on 25 November 2014)

Well that certainly sounded more promising than it actually was. Fortunately for Sony the Vita didn't sell particularly well so that keeps the amount they'll pay relatively low.

  • 0
Nirvana_Nut85 (on 25 November 2014)

What was the misleading ad? Did they advertise that it would have games?

  • -1
DrTregay (on 25 November 2014)

The Consumer wins, love it.

  • -1
8bit420 (on 25 November 2014)

$ they don't have awesome

  • -2
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