US Customers Sue Nintendo in Class-Action Over Tariff Refunds

Two Nintendo customers in the United States have filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, alleging that it should pass on any tariff refunds it receives from the federal government to consumers who paid higher prices for its products.

The suit, filed on April 21, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, was brought by Gregory Hoffert of California and Prashant Sharan of Washington on behalf of similarly affected buyers. The plaintiffs claim that Nintendo passed the costs of 2025 tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump onto consumers through price increases on gaming hardware and accessories, and that the company would unjustly profit if it retains refunds without reimbursing those customers.

The tariffs, which affected imports from numerous countries including China where many tech components are manufactured, were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2026. The decision entitled importers, including Nintendo, to seek refunds from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for duties paid. Nintendo joined more than 1,000 other companies in suing the government for compensation but has paused its case while awaiting the...