In February 2012, the PlayStation Vita launched with promises of mobile multiplayer, remote play and cross-save with the PlayStation 3. Some of these claims were less than accurate.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claims that Sony Computer Entertainment engaged in false advertising during its launch of the PlayStation Vita, and it has resulted in the company’s settlement.

Sony touted that the Vita would remotely play PlayStation 3 games. In reality, the Remote Play feature was never specifically designed in the PS3 system, thus the function barely worked. A Sony video featured gamers playing Killzone 3 via the Vita’s Remote Play, but the game was never capable of utilizing the function, nor were any games of equal scale or complexity.

The Vita was also sold to have cross-save features with the PS3 (pausing a game on one screen, continuing it on another), but the FTC took issue with this claim as well. Sony never mentioned that in order to take advantage of the feature, consumers had to purchase both versions of a game (on Vita and PS3). Where advertising implied that cross-save was available on every PS3 game, it only worked for a handful.

The FTC also found that the ease of switching between systems was exaggerated. Where a gamer may want to play MLB 12: The Show on the Vita after starting a game on the PS3, they would have to complete all nine innings prior to transferring between screens.

Playing multiplayer from a 3G connection was another of the Vita’s supposed strengths that never came to complete fruition. The FTC’s complaint found that the system was incapable of supporting 3G connected game sessions unless the gameplay was of an asynchronous nature, meaning action-oriented, simultaneous matches were impossible.

The terms of the settlement bar Sony from making future misleading claims about their merchandise. The company is also expected to refund consumers $25 cash or credit or with a $50 merchandise voucher to anyone who bought a Vita before June 1, 2012. If you’re eligible, Sony will send you a notice by email.

Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated:

“As we enter the year’s biggest shopping period, companies need to be reminded that if they make product promises to consumers — as Sony did with the ‘game changing’ features of its PS Vita — they must deliver on those pledges. The FTC will not hesitate to act on behalf of consumers when companies or advertisers make false product claims.”

You can read the full FTC report here.

My Opinion:

I heartily enjoy my PlayStation Vita and all of its features. However, I can also understand how many consumers can feel betrayed by this news. If a product doesn’t live up to all of its claims (especially for those loyal enough to be early adopters), then the company should be responsible for reconciling any and all grievances.

Though this feels like little more than a slap on the wrist, the real punishment is negative public attention as we approach the holiday season. While I don’t think this news will affect the Vita’s already flat sales, it may cause some consumers to question Sony’s promises in regards to the PlayStation 4. Then again, it might also reassure that the company will be more careful in the future.

Jordan Loeffler is an Associate Writer for MONG who drives a 2006 Pontiac Vibe with Minnesota license plates even though he lives in Portland, OR. She’s seafoam green, and she drives like a wave. You can follow him on IGN.