Sony has already stopped production of PS4 in 2022. However, many gamers still use the aforementioned console, and all kinds of accessories – primarily DualShock 4 controllers – still do not lose their price. On the market, however, it is difficult to find alternative PS4 pads from third-party manufacturers at an attractive price, which did not please the French antitrust authority.
Sony has been trying to fight various types of counterfeit controllers for many years, but, according to the Antimonopoly Agency, the Japanese company has gone too far. According to the French competition authority, the PlayStation console manufacturer has applied “technical measures” that negatively affect the operation of controllers from third-party manufacturers.
As the Antimonopoly Department explained, only official DualShock 4 pads and licensed controllers work correctly on PS4. Using accessories from third-party developers is associated with various problems, including frequent disconnections from the PS4 console. According to the French antimonopoly authority, Sony is to blame for this.
According to the regulatory watchdog, Sony “applied criteria at its own discretion” in the licensing process. Therefore, third-party manufacturers had to deal with various problems, and only with an official license could they be sure that their controllers would work with the PS4 without any complaints.
In this regard, the regulatory authority decided to fine Sony 13.5 million euros. The Japanese company did not react to the current situation. It is possible that the PlayStation manufacturer will simply pay the fine and leave this matter without comment.
