Sony to offer partial refunds for gaming console

WASHINGTON - Hundreds of thousands of people who bought the handheld gaming console PlayStation Vita are in line for a partial refund from Sony because of questionable claims in its advertising.

The Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday it had reached a settlement with Sony Computer Entertainment America, the U.S.-based arm of the PlayStation business, over advertising claims that the government contended were misleading.

As part of the proposed settlement, Sony will provide refunds to those who bought the PS Vita console before June 1, 2012. They'll be eligible for either a $25 cash or credit refund - or a $50 merchandise voucher from Sony. The company will contact consumers about the refunds or vouchers via email.

The advertising claims at issue - Sony highlighted "game changing" technology features of the PS Vita - were made during the U.S. launch of the product in early 2012. The console sold for about $250.

Among the claims challenged by the FTC:

• That the pocket-sized console would revolutionize gaming mobility by allowing consumers to play their PlayStation 3 games via "remote play" on the console anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.

• That people could engage in "cross-platform" play by starting a game on a PlayStation 3, pausing it, and continuing the game with the PS Vita from where they left off.

Not really true, the FTC said.

"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, head of the agency's consumer protection bureau.