Sony settles PS2 class action suit

[Benji]

Sony settles PS2 class action suit

Ruling on infamous "disc read error" issue could give qualifying PS2 owners $25, a free game, free repairs, or a replacement system.

PlayStation 2 owners whose systems have given them inappropriate "Disc Read Error" messages are eligible to reap the benefits of a settlement in a class action lawsuit they might never have heard of.

Sony Computer Entertainment America, Sony of Canada, and Toys R Us of Canada have settled a class action lawsuit over the systems, pending the approval of US and Canadian courts. If those courts approve the settlement, gamers who have recently purchased, repaired, or lost the use of an affected PS2, are eligible to receive a check for $25 ($31 Canadian), a free PS2 game from a specified list, or a free or reduced cost repair or replacement (at SCEA's discretion) of an affected system.

A Sony rep confirmed the settlement for GameSpot, but insisted it is in no way an admission of guilt. "While we are convinced that there is no problem with these models and that we would win if we defended this case through trial, we have agreed to settle these lawsuits to avoid the extraordinary high cost of cumbersome class action litigation," the representative said.

It should be noted that this settlement doesn't mean a free $25 for everyone who ever got a "Disc Read Error" message from their PS2. All claims must be accompanied by proof of the purchase and/or repairs. Claims must be made over the settlement Web site or mailed and postmarked by February 16, 2006.

It will be a while before anybody sees the benefits of the suit. First the settlement needs the approval of the courts, and those hearings in the US and Canada have been tentatively scheduled for April 28, 2006, and May 11, 2006, respectively.

For more details on who qualifies for the benefits and how to claim them, check out the settlement Web site.

Check out the website

Thought this might be very useful to one or two of you at least

[kliq]

FUCKSAKE, I dismantled my PS2 last week.

[MDK]

Ouch, that is bad timing.

[Benji]

FUCKSAKE, I dismantled my PS2 last week.

I managed to fix my first generation by myself. I'm awesome.

[MalaCloudy Black]

FUCKSAKE, I dismantled my PS2 last week.

I'm in the sort-of same boat but not really same boat. Mine's in my room dismantled right now.

Ah fuck it, I'll just get a new one for christmas. Doesn't matter.

[The LBTN Express]

I pulled mine apart a few weeks ago, got it working but then it stopped again, so I pulled it apart again and sold it as spares and repairs on ebay for £20.

[kliq]

I planned to buy a new one for Christmas anyway so that I wouldn't be tempted to buy SvR06, SoC or GoW before then, but free stuff is always fun.

[Marsh]

I'm just wondering what the benefit of a free game would be when your PS2 doesn't work due to DRE's.

[kliq]

I'm just wondering what the benefit of a free game would be when your PS2 doesn't work due to DRE's.

Suppose it's just compensation really, I'd imagine with Christmas coming up a lot of people (including myself) will buy new PS2s, or have already replaced them by now.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

I take my first gen apart every 8 months or so and give it a clean around (those screws are proper long!)

I also use a disc head cleaner every few months and try not to move it around too much...

And then it works fine.

It's a pensioner now, I have to treat it carefully

[Guest muddatrucker]

Mines as old as the hills, It even has a fliptop (which I assume damages it in the long run (since I never actually close it) and its fine. I love him.

[kliq]

Mines as old as the hills, It even has a fliptop (which I assume damages it in the long run (since I never actually close it) and its fine. I love him.

Then it's gonna piss you off even more when it does break. Which it will.

[Guest muddatrucker]

Its managed to last this far with no problems with constant use aswell as being stored in the same position (collecting more dust than a dust enthusiast). Doesn't look like its planning to break anytime soon, it'll still be alive with the PS3 is released and I like that, I also like playing copied games.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

Its managed to last this far with no problems with constant use aswell as being stored in the same position (collecting more dust than a dust enthusiast). Doesn't look like its planning to break anytime soon, it'll still be alive with the PS3 is released and I like that, I also like playing copied games.

My PS2 is the dustiest thing I own....It's like a dust magnet....Gah