Nintendo sues us government over tariffs, demands refund
Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking a refund of tariffs imposed on its products. The company is challenging the legality of tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a move that could reverberate throughout the gaming industry.
Nintendo’s legal challenge targets trump-era tariffs
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, specifically targets tariffs enacted by former President Donald Trump last year. These tariffs, part of his “Make America Wealthy Again” trade initiative, applied to goods imported from China and Vietnam, significantly impacting Nintendo’s supply chain and pre-order plans for the Switch 2.
The Supreme Court last month invalidated the legality of Trump's use of the IEEPA to impose these tariffs, ruling that the administration overstepped its authority. The Commerce Department had collected approximately $166 billion in duties and deposits under the emergency tariffs.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the U.S. government introduced a new 10% global tariff rate. Nintendo had previously delayed the U.S. pre-order launch of the Switch 2, citing the impact of the tariffs and “evolving market conditions.” The console, initially priced at $449.99, and accessories saw price adjustments, though the console’s launch date of June 5, 2025, remained unchanged.
The company’s statement to IGN at the time of the delay was terse: “We can confirm that we filed a request. We have nothing else to share on this topic.” This latest legal action represents a direct financial challenge to the repercussions of Trump’s trade policies and a bold move to recoup losses.
The ripple effects of these tariffs were felt widely. China retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods, leading to market volatility. Nintendo’s reliance on Switch 2 units imported from Vietnam last year was an attempt to mitigate price increases. The lawsuit signals a broader reckoning with the legality and economic consequences of past trade decisions. The company is seeking not just a refund, but a reaffirmation of the principles of fair trade.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency indicated a tariff refund system will be ready within 45 days. Nintendo’s legal strategy could set a precedent for other companies seeking redress from past tariffs. The question now is whether the government will fully comply, and what this means for future trade disputes.
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach him confidentially at [email protected].