Sony Slapped with Multi-Million Euro Fine for Third-Party PS4 Controller Sabotage

Sony has been fined 13.5 million euros by France's competition regulator for implementing technical measures that disrupted the functionality of third-party PS4 controllers. These measures, which were claimed to combat counterfeiting, were deemed disproportionate and affected all unlicensed controllers. Additionally, Sony's opaque licensing policy was criticized for preventing rival companies from entering its Official Licensed Product (OLP) partnership program, hindering their ability to market compatible controllers for the PS4. This action by the Autorité de la concurrence highlights the tension between console manufacturers and third-party accessory producers.