Tariffs
Ongoing coverage on Tariffs.
Latest coverage
Nintendo’s Customer Appreciation Sale Flubbed The Goodwill Gesture Attempt
Nintendo's Customer Appreciation Sale is criticized for offering modest discounts primarily on older games, with prices barely making a dent in the full list price. The article argues that tying the sale to tariff-related refunds is a poor public relations move, making the goodwill gesture feel insulting rather than beneficial to consumers.
Nintendo of America thanks fans for dealing with tariff-related price hikes by encouraging them to spend more money in a new sale
Nintendo of America announced a "Customer Appreciation Sale", framing it as a promotion made possible by tariff-related refunds. This announcement comes amidst a class action lawsuit where customers claim Nintendo did not pass on these refunds. The company's justification for price increases and the subsequent sale has drawn criticism online, with many questioning the framing of the promotion.
After $300 million in tariff refunds, Nintendo won't give players cash back but you will get "30% off" in…
Nintendo received $300 million in tariff refunds but will not pass the money directly to consumers. Instead, the company is offering a two-week "Customer Appreciation Sale" with 30% off dozens of digital Nintendo Switch games and bundles, plus discounts on other items. The article notes that while tariffs were a factor in pricing, global RAM shortages also contributed to the higher cost of the Switch 2.
Nintendo launches Customer Appreciation Sale made possible by 'tariff-related refunds'
Nintendo is launching a Customer Appreciation Sale from September 12 to September 26, offering 30% discounts on games, bundles, amiibos, and accessories. The company states this sale is made possible by tariff refunds, a notable shift from their previous stance on not being obligated to compensate customers from such refunds.
Nintendo’s Latest Sale Is Made Possible By Tariff Refunds It’s Not Giving You
Nintendo of America announced a "Customer Appreciation Sale" offering 30% off games and access, attributing the promotion in part to tariff-related refunds. While Nintendo absorbed most costs, these refunds helped make the sale possible. Unlike Nintendo, the company behind the Playdate handheld, Panic, stated it would pass its own refunds onto customers.
Even during a RAMpocalypse, Sony and Microsoft come across as less consumer-friendly than some PC brands with their refusal to give US tariff refunds back to consumers
Sony and Microsoft are facing lawsuits for allegedly not passing on US tariff refunds to consumers, despite some PC brands like Arctic and Panic doing so. Both console manufacturers have filed motions to dismiss the suits, arguing that consumers did not suffer a legally cognizable injury. This stance contrasts with smaller companies that have proactively refunded customers, leading to criticism of Sony and Microsoft's consumer-friendliness.
Both Microsoft and Sony say they're under no obligation to pass tariff refunds on to customers
Microsoft and Sony have stated they are not obligated to pass tariff refunds onto consumers, despite lawsuits arguing otherwise. Both companies claim customers paid the advertised price and are not owed any difference, even if tariffs were later deemed unconstitutional. While most major players are taking this stance, companies like Arctic and Panic are offering refunds or price rollbacks to customers.
Sony And Microsoft: We’re Keeping Tariff Refunds For Ourselves And You’ll Get Nothing
Sony and Microsoft are arguing in court that they are not obligated to provide refunds to consumers for price-hiked consoles related to US tariffs, choosing to keep the money themselves. This stance contrasts with companies like Panic, which is passing tariff refunds onto its Playdate customers. The article highlights consumer dissatisfaction with this decision, especially following recent price increases on platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Sony and Microsoft request dismissal of consumer lawsuits over tariff refunds
Sony and Microsoft have filed motions to dismiss class action lawsuits that claim they failed to pass on tariff refunds to consumers for price-hiked hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles. Both companies argue they are not legally obligated to provide such refunds, citing various factors beyond tariffs for price increases and noting they raised prices again even after tariffs were invalidated. Nintendo made similar arguments in a separate filing, while only Playdate maker Panic has refunded tariff surcharges to customers.
Sony and Microsoft do their best Nintendo impression, say customers aren't entitled to tariff refunds because they chose to pay inflated prices and got "exactly" what they "paid for"
Sony and Microsoft are following Nintendo's lead by refusing to pass tariff refunds onto consumers for products like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The companies argue that customers received exactly what they paid for at the advertised price, and that consumers were free to not purchase the goods if they disagreed with the cost.
Following Nintendo's example, Sony and Microsoft argue they have no obligation to pass tariff refunds onto customers
Sony and Microsoft are arguing in separate lawsuits that they are not legally obligated to pass tariff refunds onto consumers who purchased their consoles at inflated prices. Both companies, along with Nintendo, are facing legal challenges from customers seeking compensation after US-imposed tariffs were ruled illegal and companies became eligible for refunds. While the platform holders maintain consumers paid fair market price, some smaller companies like Panic and Arctic have opted to refund customers.
Sony, Microsoft Say They Have No Obligation to Offer Refunds For Tariff-Based Price Hikes
Sony and Microsoft are arguing, similar to Nintendo, that they have no legal obligation to provide refunds to consumers for price hikes caused by import tariffs. Lawyers for both companies stated that customers paid the advertised price and received what they paid for, and that intervening legal developments regarding tariffs do not entitle them to a rebate. These arguments come amidst ongoing lawsuits filed by companies seeking refunds from the US government after tariffs were deemed illegal.
Playdate maker Panic is passing tariff refunds on to customers
Panic, the maker of the Playdate handheld, is passing on tariff refunds to its customers who purchased the device while tariffs were in effect. This contrasts with Nintendo, which has stated it does not owe rebates to consumers for price increases made in response to tariffs, and is seeking dismissal of a related class-action lawsuit.
Evening Reading - August 27, 2026
This article is a collection of news and internet happenings from August 27, 2026. It highlights new details about Grand Theft Auto 6, including a return to a 6-star wanted level system and various activities. Other topics include potential tariffs on gaming hardware, a review of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, and a humorous KFC x Oreo collaboration in China.
Playdate maker Panic refunds tariff surcharges to customers
Playdate maker Panic is refunding customers who paid tariff surcharges, following a US Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's tariffs were unlawful. The company had added a 19% tariff line item to Playdate orders during a specific period. Separately, a report indicates the European games industry generated €30 billion in 2025, with mobile and tablets being the leading platforms.
Trump's administration considering new tariffs on gaming, laptop & data center hardware
The Trump administration is reportedly considering new tariffs on semiconductors and components used in gaming hardware, laptops, and data center equipment. This move has alarmed US tech companies, who warn it could worsen existing supply chain issues and harm global competitiveness. The proposed tariffs aim to encourage US chip manufacturing investment but could significantly increase costs for American companies reliant on foreign chip production.
'It's just not our money to keep': Handheld console maker Panic is refunding US tariff fees to its…
Handheld console maker Panic Inc. is refunding customers who were charged extra for US tariffs on their purchases of the Playdate. Company co-founder Cabel Sasser stated that the tariffs were a financial burden and that the money collected was not theirs to keep. The process of obtaining the refund from the government and processing it for customers was described as extensive but ultimately rewarding.
If You Thought Console Prices Were Too High, Things Could Get Even Worse
The US administration is reportedly considering new tariffs on imported computer chips, which could lead to increased prices for gaming consoles, laptops, and servers. This potential move aims to encourage foreign tech companies to build manufacturing plants within the US. Previous tariffs have impacted console prices, with companies like Sony and Nintendo benefiting from tariff refunds, though these were not passed on to consumers.
Panic is refunding tariff fees paid by Playdate owners
Panic, the developer of the Playdate handheld console, is refunding tariff fees previously paid by its owners. These fees were incurred under the Trump administration's original tariff regime.
Unlike The Big Console Makers, Playdate Is Refunding You Those Tariff Fees
Panic, the maker of the Playdate handheld console, is refunding customers the tariff fees it previously added to the product's price. This move contrasts with larger console manufacturers like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, who have not passed on similar government refunds to consumers. Panic stated that the tariff fees were not their money to keep and that refunding them felt like the right decision.
