Free games, cash and credit now available in PlayStation Vita class action settlement

Late last night, lawyers for the class action brought against Sony over deceptive advertising for the PlayStation Vitabegan the process through which buyers of a Vita — before June 2012 — may collect cash, games, or $25 in PlayStation Store credit.

Potential members of the class action received emails overnight steering them to this site, vitaclaims.com. If you think you're eligible but didn't get one, check your spam inbox, or just head over to the link.

The FTC brought a suit against Sony over claims made during the Vita's North American launch in late 2011 and 2012. Specifically, the FTC alleged Sony falsely advertised the remote play, cross platform and cross save features of the system. An advertisement also misrepresented 3G network-enabled Vitas as capable of supporting real-time online multiplayer gaming.

To collect any money, claimants must complete the online form at vitaclaims.com by June 29. They'll also be asked to enter the serial number on their Vita, which verifies when it was purchased originally.

From there, they'll be asked to select their compensation: a $25 check, $25 in credit on the PlayStation Store, or one of three bundles of games for the PlayStation 3 and Vita. Helpfully, the form totals the regular retail prices of each bundle.

• The action adventure bundle comprises God of War Collection, Beyond: Two Souls, Twisted Metal (all PS3) and Unit 13 (for Vita), with a "regular retail price" of $92.95.
• The "family friendly" bundle packages LittleBigPlanet 2 and Puppeteer on PS3 with Uncharted: Golden Abyss and ModNation Racers: Road Trip on the Vita. Retail price $100.46.
• A variety pack combines God of War Collection and LittleBigPlanet 2 on PS3 with ModNation Racers: Road Trip and Unit 13 on Vita. MSRP: $66.46.

There's no promised date of when the rewards will be delivered. As has been seen in other settlements, the notice usually shows up like found money in about six months.

The form is a .pdf that the claimant completes, prints and then mails to a physical address. While it asks for the email address used to open a PlayStation Network account, it does not ask for a password. It does require some proof of Vita ownership: a receipt, an image of the Vita's serial number, or "other information and materials."