Tariffs
Ongoing coverage on Tariffs.
Latest coverage
Playdate maker Panic is refunding tariff fees to customers
Playdate manufacturer Panic is refunding customers who paid tariff fees during a specific period this year. The company received tariff refunds from the United States government and decided to pass the money back to its customers, citing that it was not their money to keep. This decision contrasts with other companies like Nintendo, which are reportedly keeping their tariff refunds.
Proposed class action lawsuit against Logitech demands money to be given back to customers after $61 million US tariff…
A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against Logitech, alleging the company passed on the costs of US tariffs to consumers and failed to return funds after the tariffs were declared unlawful. The lawsuit seeks to recover a portion of the $61 million refund Logitech received. Similar legal actions have been taken against other tech companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft.
Why Are Video Game Consoles So Expensive These Days (And Games Historically Cheap)?
Video game consoles and games are becoming increasingly expensive due to a confluence of factors including tariffs, AI-driven demand for components, and a structural shift in the console business model. Experts predict hardware costs will remain high for several more years, potentially impacting future console generations like the PlayStation 6 and Project Helix.
Trump slaps a 100 percent tariff on heavy and 'sensitive' drones
President Donald Trump has implemented tariffs of up to 100 percent on drones deemed "particularly sensitive" for national security. This policy change affects the import costs of specific drone technologies.
"We just want to make things as fair as we can" - Commodore is trying to keep TAC-2 joystick shipping costs down, but US tariffs are taking their toll
Commodore is working to reduce shipping costs for its new TAC-2 joystick, which initially saw prices near $100 due to shipping and taxes. The company's Chief Strategy Officer, Jim Squires, clarified that the correct shipping fee is $19, and they will absorb additional US tariff costs to keep prices fair for customers. The TAC-2 joystick is scheduled to begin shipping on October 20, 2026.
Bandai Namco Q1 FY27 earnings results reported US tariff refund
Bandai Namco Entertainment reported a refund related to US tariffs in its Q1 FY27 financial results, though the specific amount was not disclosed. This follows a similar report from Nintendo, which received a $300 million refund. The US government has been issuing refunds for tariffs previously deemed illegal.
Nintendo Switch 2 hardware sales are down 34.4 percent year-on-year
Nintendo reported a 34.4 percent year-on-year decrease in Nintendo Switch 2 hardware sales for the first quarter ended June 30, 2026, selling 3.82 million units. Despite this decline, Nintendo's sales revenue for its dedicated video game platform business dropped by 13.1 percent to 483 billion yen. Software sales for the Nintendo Switch 2 increased by 9.2 percent, while sales for the original Switch surged by 33.6 percent.
Nintendo’s Profits Jump $300 Million After Tariff Refunds And Strong Software Sales
Nintendo reported a 52% increase in operating profits, totaling $300 million, for its first fiscal quarter. This jump was attributed to refunds from unlawful US tariffs and strong software sales, which also increased the proportion of software in net sales. The company is also facing a class-action lawsuit from consumers seeking refunds for inflated hardware and software prices due to the tariffs.
Nintendo records 150% increase in year-on-year profits mainly due to $300 million in US tariff refunds that Switch 2…
Nintendo reported a 150% year-on-year increase in operating profits, largely due to a $300 million refund of US tariffs. Despite a 9.5% decrease in net sales, the company's gross profit margin improved significantly. Nintendo clarified that the tariff refunds were primarily borne by the company and not passed on to consumers, amidst ongoing legal disputes regarding price increases.
Nintendo Q1 sales drop 9.5%; operating profit soars following higher software sales and $300m in US tariff refunds
Nintendo reported a 9.5% decrease in first-quarter net sales, but operating profit soared by 150.5% due to increased software revenue and a significant $300 million in US tariff refunds. Despite a 34.4% drop in Nintendo Switch hardware sales, digital software sales saw a 90% increase, and the company's IP segment experienced substantial growth, largely driven by the success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Nintendo (NTDOY) recognized $300 million in tariff refunds during Q1 FY27
Nintendo reported a significant increase in operating profit for Q1 FY27, partly due to recognizing approximately $300 million in refunds for tariffs previously paid. The company stated that these tariff costs were primarily borne by Nintendo and not passed on to consumers through product pricing.
PlayStation is getting "most" of Sony's estimated $508 million tariff refund, but despite lawsuits there are no apparent plans to give refunds for price-hiked PS5s
Sony has received an estimated $508 million refund from the US government due to illegal tariffs, with "most" of this amount going to PlayStation. Despite this, the company has no plans to refund consumers who purchased PlayStation 5 consoles at higher prices implemented due to those tariffs. Sony is expected to respond to a class-action lawsuit regarding this issue next month.
A PC cooling company shows Sony and Nintendo how it's done, as it pledges to pass US tariff refunds onto customers
PC cooling company Arctic has pledged to pass US tariff refunds onto customers by lowering product prices, contrasting with Sony and Nintendo's approaches. Arctic will continue price cuts until all refunded money is returned to consumers, while also funding tech education initiatives. The US Supreme Court struck down tariffs, leading to refund requests, but many companies, including Sony and Nintendo, are reportedly keeping the refunds.
"As a consumer myself, I feel your pain" - in a rare pro-consumer move, PC cooler brand Arctic passes US tariff refunds back to its customers with a "dedicated sales promotion"
PC cooling brand Arctic is passing US tariff refunds back to its customers through a dedicated sales promotion. CEO Magnus Huber stated the promotion will continue until all refunded tariff money is returned to consumers, a move praised as rare and pro-consumer in the current market.
Arctic announces price rollback thanks to a US gov tariff refund, which will continue until 'every single dollar Arctic received… has been paid back to our customers'
PC cooling company Arctic has announced a price rollback for its products in the US, thanks to a refund received from the US government regarding tariffs. The company has pledged to continue these price reductions until every dollar from the refund is returned to customers. Arctic is also investing in community initiatives that support technology education and grassroots PC communities in the United States.
PlayStation 5 sales have topped 95 million units worldwide
Sony's PlayStation 5 has surpassed 95 million units sold globally, though sales are beginning to slow as the console enters its sixth year. The company's Games & Network Services segment saw flat year-over-year sales due to decreased console hardware and third-party software sales, despite a rise in operating income attributed partly to tariff refunds.
Unsurprisingly, It’s PlayStation, Not You, Benefiting From Tariff Refunds
Sony's PlayStation division is benefiting from refunds on US tariffs that previously led to price increases for its hardware. While the company reported a significant increase in operating income attributed to these refunds, there is no indication they will be passed on to consumers who paid the higher prices. Similar situations have occurred with Nintendo, and class-action lawsuits have been filed against both companies regarding these tariff refunds and pricing practices.
Business and Finance
Amazon will issue refunds to shoppers as part of a tariff settlement, while CORSAIR has announced a deepening of its strategic relationships. The article also mentions evidence submitted by Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to Lisa Nandy regarding a merger.
'I Thought This Would Be Drama Free, How Wrong I Was' — Games Workshop Secured a £7.8 Million Refund on Donald Trump's Tariffs, but Iran War Threatens Supply Chain
Games Workshop, the maker of Warhammer, has successfully obtained a £7.8 million refund on tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. However, the company's supply chain is facing new threats due to geopolitical events, including the Iran War.
MMO Week in Review: FFXIV in Berlin, Black Desert in SoCal, and Jimothy saturation
This week's MMO news covers Final Fantasy XIV's Fan Festival in Berlin, Black Desert's Heidel Ball, and the early access launch of SEED. Updates were also provided for Dungeons & Dragons Online, Aion 2, and The Guild reunion movie. Several games saw controversy including World of Warcraft staff cheating, Elder Scrolls Online capacity issues, and Microsoft layoffs.
