Sony Might Owe $55 To Consumers With Pre-2010 Original Model PS3s

For those who bought an original model, also known as the 'fat', PS3, you may be subject to participation in filing a claim for either $9 or $55 depending on your circumstances. This hubbub is all because of a class-action lawsuit regarding Sony's removal of the Other OS feature in the devices. While one case was dismissed by 2011, one case pushed through until June wherein Sony decided to settle.

Back in March 2010, the decision was made by Sony to remove the aforementioned feature due to security reasons. The feature was originally intended for to modify the PS3 for hard disk space, allowing the installation of Linux into the consoles. Sony's statement regarding this decision was reported by IGN: "Plaintiffs, therefore, cannot succeed in any of their claims because SCEA's alleged alteration/disablement of PS3 features including the Other OS, was entirely proper and authorized."

Beyond the obvious requirement of a Proof of Purchase from within the given timeline of November 2006 to April 2010, there is also the matter of attempting to prove actual use of the feature. For those who only have the proof of purchase, or in other cases a verifiable log-in to the PlayStation Network (PSN), then they're eligible for $9. For the heftier $55 settlement, this is for those able to prove use of Linux on their consoles.

Tech Times expounds on the court case and claim details. For one, claims are limited to one console only and may be filed up until December 7 of this year. As for the case, another hearing is scheduled for next year, on January 24, 2017. Payments are due a month pending the decision made in that meeting. 

Ars Technica also comments that while this settlement means Sony admits to no wrongdoing, there's still the rather daunting 10 million users they may have to address. If even only a fraction are able to support their claims, at $55, Sony is still looking for a rather big sum of money to give away.