In 2002, Sony and Microsoft were sued by Immersion for patent infringement for the use of vibration functions in their gaming controllers.

While Microsoft settled out of court, purchasing a 10 percent share in Immersion,[3] Sony continued to defend the case.

[7] The order to halt sales of the infringing controllers was again stayed pending the outcome of the appeal.

It has been speculated that the removal of vibration is related to the lawsuit,[8] and Immersion President Victor Viegas has been dismissive of Sony's stated rationale.

"[10] As part of the agreement reached between the two companies, Immersion will receive the full amount dictated by the District Court, which with interest is stated to total $97.2 million, in addition to royalties.