Sony Playstation 2 Defective, Class Action Charges

May 19, 2003

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Consumers have been complaining for more than a year that Sony's Playstation 2 video game machine stops reading DVDs and certain types of games, often when the unit is just a few months old. Now, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Sony, alleging the company deceived thousands of consumers by marketing PlayStation 2 as a DVD player and a video-game unit.

"My son bought a Sony Playstation 2 in September. By Christmas, it stopped working with a Disc Error, cannot read disc," Janet of Graniteville, SC, complained to ConsumerAffairs.com.

Despite numerous consumer complaints, the company claims it's an insolated problem.

"I have spoken to numerous people who have called Sony about this -- mind you, which isn't caused by normal wear and tear or misuse of the system -- and Sony still refuses to confirm that this is a mistake within the system," said Andrew of Warren, PA in his report to ConsumerAffairs.com.

The suit charges that PlayStation 2 is not a reliable DVD player and that playing certain DVDs can shut down the unit. Sony denies deceiving consumers.

Sony is fighting the suit and contends the problem is not caused by the unit's design or by Sony's manufacturing process. It blames dust particles, dirt, fingerprints and scratches on the discs for the problems.

Sony urges consumers with PlayStation 2 problems to contact the company at (800) 345-7669 or check the PlayStation 2 Support Web site.

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