PS3 owner gets Other OS refund

A PS3 owner is claiming to have recovered part of the cost of his console back from Amazon, having complained that the removal of the 'Other OS' feature means it no longer operates as advertised.

As reported by PlayStation University, NeoGAF moderator lapetus made his complaint with reference to European Directive 1999/44/EC. This law states that all consumer goods must come with a two-year warranty and comply with the seller's description. They must also "be fit for the purpose which the consumer requires them and which was made known to the seller at the time of purchase".

The original PS3 model allowed users to install operating systems such as Linux. However, a firmware update released on 1st April removed this feature.

Lapetus argued that his console therefore no longer operates as advertised. Amazon appears to have agreed, offering him a refund worth around 20 per cent of the machine's purchase price. That amounts to £84 including tax. The "reason for refund" given is "account adjustment".

Under European law, responsibility in such cases lies with the retailer rather than the manufacturer. However, there is a question mark over whether sellers will pass costs on to Sony - leaving the platform holder with the option of coughing up, going to court or reinstating the Other OS feature.