Can you get a refund after buying a PlayStation game?

Quick Answers

Generally, you cannot get a refund after buying and downloading a PlayStation game. However, there are some exceptions:

• You may be eligible for a refund if you have not yet downloaded or played the game.
• Sony offers refunds in exceptional cases, such as if the game is faulty or not as described.
• You have up to 14 days to request a refund if you bought the game from the PlayStation Store in Europe.

PlayStation’s Refund Policy

PlayStation has a strict no refunds policy for games. According to their policy:

• They do not offer refunds for PlayStation Store purchases unless required by local law.
• Once you have downloaded the content, you cannot get a refund unless the content is faulty.
• If you have started downloading or streaming the purchased content you are not eligible for a refund.

This applies to all digital game purchases and in-game purchases made through the PlayStation Store. So once you purchase a game and start the download process, you are generally not able to get your money back.

Exceptions to the Refund Policy

While PlayStation’s standard policy is not to offer refunds, there are some exceptions when you may be eligible:

• The content is faulty: If the game you purchased is faulty, glitched, or unplayable, you may be able to get a refund by contacting PlayStation support.
• Purchased by accident: In rare cases, PlayStation may allow a refund if you accidentally purchased the wrong game or made the purchase without consent.
• Substantial change to the game: If the game was updated after purchase in a way that significantly changes core gameplay, you may be eligible for a refund.

Getting a refund in these exceptional cases is not guaranteed. You will need to contact PlayStation customer support and explain your situation. They will review your case, but ultimately the decision comes down to their discretion.

Refunds Under Consumer Laws

While PlayStation has a general no refund policy, your consumer rights in your country may override this policy in some cases. Two key examples are:

• European Union: EU consumer laws give buyers the right to a 14 day “cooling off” period for online purchases. So PlayStation buyers in EU countries can request a refund within 14 days for any reason.
• Australia: Australian consumer law entitles buyers to refunds for faulty games or games that are not as described by the seller. So Australians may be eligible for PlayStation refunds if the game does not work or match the description.

The time period you have to request a refund and the exact conditions that apply will depend on the specific consumer laws in your country. But generally consumer laws provide some opportunity for buyers to get refunds for digital purchases like PlayStation games.

How to Request a Refund from PlayStation

If you believe you meet the exceptional circumstances required for a PlayStation refund, here is how to make a request:

1. Contact PlayStation Customer Support – This can be done by phone, live online chat, or email. Explain your reason for requesting a refund.
2. Provide proof of purchase – To process a refund, PlayStation will require your order number or transaction ID to verify the purchase.
3. Clearly explain the reason for refund – Whether it’s a technical issue, accidental purchase, or other reason, detail the circumstance.
4. Allow time for review – It can take anywhere from 5-10 business days for PlayStation support to review and process refund requests.
5. Accept the refund decision – There is still no guarantee of getting approved, so you’ll have to accept PlayStation’s final decision.

The key things are acting quickly, providing documentation, and clearly communicating your reason for requesting the refund. Even in exceptional cases, refunds are not assured – but this gives you the best chance if you have a valid reason under their policy exceptions.

Tips for Successful PlayStation Refunds

To boost your chances of getting approved for a PlayStation refund, keep these tips in mind:

• Request the refund right away – don’t wait to reach out or you risk no longer being eligible.
• Be polite and understanding in your request – angry or demanding tones usually don’t help.
• Check the game hasn’t been downloaded or launched – this disqualifies most refund requests.
• Confirm eligibility under consumer laws – EU residents have 14 days for “no questions asked” refunds.
• Ask for an exception if outside the policy – highlight accidental purchase or technical issues.
• Follow up if you don’t hear back – continue to politely press your case until you get a final answer.

While the odds are not in your favor, following these tips maximizes the chances that PlayStation makes an exception and grants your game refund request.

Alternative Options if Refund is Denied

If PlayStation ultimately denies your refund request, don’t lose hope yet. You still have some other options to potentially get your money back or put the purchase to use:

• Sell or trade the game: Sites like eBay let you sell your PlayStation downloads. Or trade it in at GameStop once you have the disc.
• Dispute the charges: Initiate a dispute with your credit card company or payment provider. Emphasize you could not get a refund.
• Request PlayStation Store credit: Ask for credit instead of cash, which PlayStation is more likely to grant.
• Keep playing: Try giving the game more time in case it grows on you. Many great games have learning curves.

While not as good as a direct refund, these options provide a chance to get some value back or try to make the most out of the game. Be sure to explore them before you fully give up on recovering your investment.

Can You Get a Refund for PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus gives access to online multiplayer, free games, exclusive discounts and other benefits. But what if you change your mind after subscribing? Let’s break down if you can get refunds for PlayStation Plus memberships:

• Monthly memberships – Cannot be refunded once you purchase and begin using the subscription.
• Annual memberships – Can request a partial refund for remaining months if you have not used plus benefits.
• Auto-renewing – Can get refund by turning off auto-renew at least 48 hours before next renewal.
• Unused subscription time – Refunds generally not provided for any leftover months of membership.

So refunds are restricted but possible in limited cases – mainly if you have an annual plan with time still remaining. Otherwise PlayStation will not refund subscriptions that have already been used. Carefully consider before committing to any recurring Plus memberships.

Steps to Get PlayStation Plus Refund

To request a PlayStation Plus refund, follow these steps:

1. Contact PlayStation Support within 48 hours – Refunds get harder after more time has passed.
2. Explain reason for refund – For example, you prepaid for a year but no longer want Plus after a few months.
3. Verify unused time – PlayStation will check if any months of membership are still left.
4. Request refund of remaining balance – Ask for prorated refund based on unused portion if eligible.
5. Turn off auto-renew – Prevent future charges by disabling automatic subscription renewal.

PlayStation will review based on your usage activity and remaining membership time. Allow 1-2 billing cycles for refund processing. But move quickly once you decide to request a refund to improve your chances.

Can You Return Opened PlayStation Games?

For games purchased physically on disc at retail stores, refund policies are generally more flexible. But there are still restrictions, especially for opened games. Here are the key refund rules for opened PlayStation games bought at retail:

• Unopened new games – Most stores allow returns and refunds within 7-30 days.
• Opened new games – Many retailers impose restrictions or fees for returning opened games.
• Damaged or faulty – Can usually return even opened games if they have technical issues.
• Proof of purchase – Need original receipt to get refund for opened PlayStation games.

So while returning opened games is not impossible, restrictions like restocking fees, short time limits and store policies make it difficult. Your best bet is returning unopened or defective games as soon as possible with receipts handy.

Tips for Returning Opened PlayStation Games

To boost odds of successfully returning opened PlayStation games to retail stores, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep receipt handy as proof of purchase.
• Return within 7-14 days for best results.
• Check store return policy carefully for restrictions.
• Return in original packaging if possible.
• Be kind and accept if refused per policy.
• Highlight defects if returning faulty games.
• Sell instead of return if outside refund period.

Following these tips gives you the best shot for refunds on opened games. But beyond 15-30 days or without a receipt, expect to have a difficult time. Preparedness and acting fast are key to success.

The Bottom Line

Getting a refund on PlayStation Store purchases is very difficult unless you meet specific exceptions or eligibility conditions:

Purchase Type	Refund Chances
Digital PS Store Games	Extremely Unlikely
PS Plus Subscriptions	Possible if Unused Time Left
Physical Games from Retail	Better Chance if Unopened

So digital purchases are mostly non-refundable once downloaded. But you still have a shot if acting very quickly in limited cases. Physical games can be returned more readily if following retailer policies. Ultimately, PlayStation refunds require meeting strict criteria – so manage expectations accordingly and explore alternatives if denied.