Sony settles case over Linux for PS3

Sony has agreed to a settlement in the case over the removal of Linux support on the PlayStation 3. US owners of the console who used Linux on the device are eligible for a refund of $55.

The settlement concerns only individuals in the United States who purchased the “fat” PS3 between November 1, 2006 and April 1, 2010. In addition to the $55 refund, those who purchased the console for its ability to run an alternative operating system are eligible. for an additional $9. Also part of the settlement is that Sony will pay the lawyer costs of the class action suit, an amount of 2.25 million dollars. The judge has yet to approve the conditions, writes Ars Technica.

Gamers wishing to take advantage of the scheme must take an oath that they were indeed using Linux and provide evidence of using the alternative operating system. Sony promises to inform customers of the settlement through advertisements and emails. The company has customer email addresses through its PlayStation Network.

The settlement ends a longstanding case over Linux on the PS3. Unlike the later ‘slim’ versions, the first ‘fat’ model provided users with an ‘install other OS’ option. This allowed them to install Linux on the console’s hard drive and run the open source operating system. In 2010, Sony released a firmware version that took the Linux option out of the PS3. Users were able to ignore the update, but were unable to use the PlayStation Network after that. Thereupon, some owners started a class action suit to demand compensation.