Nintendo Sues U.S. Government Over Trump-Era Tariffs, Seeks $200 Billion Refund

Nintendo has initiated legal action against the U.S. Government, seeking a refund of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, centers on tariffs struck down last month by the Supreme Court, which deemed President Trump’s leverage of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) unlawful. The company is seeking reimbursement for duties paid, along with interest, following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Background: Trump’s Tariffs and the Switch 2 Delay

In April 2024, President Trump announced additional tariffs on goods imported to the U.S., declaring it “Liberation Day” during a trade announcement event. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collected approximately $166 billion in duties and deposits under these emergency tariffs IGN. Nintendo was significantly impacted, delaying pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S. Due to the uncertainty created by the tariffs and “evolving market conditions.”

The Lawsuit and Refund Claims

Nintendo’s lawsuit is a response to the Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the tariffs imposed under IEEPA. The company joins over 1,000 other businesses, including FedEx and Costco, in seeking refunds Mashable. Collectively, these companies are seeking a refund of over $200 billion in tariffs paid on imports TechCrunch. Nintendo stated in its complaint that it “has been substantially harmed by the unlawful execution and imposition of the unauthorized Executive Orders and corresponding payment of the IEEPA Duties.”

Recent Developments and Further Legal Challenges

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, President Trump responded by raising tariffs from 10% to 15%, a move that has prompted legal challenges from 24 states, arguing that the president again exceeded his authority TechCrunch. The CBP has indicated that a tariff refund system would be operational within 45 days of the Supreme Court’s decision.

Impact on Nintendo and the Switch 2

The initial imposition of tariffs directly affected Nintendo’s launch plans for the Switch 2. Although the launch date of June 5, 2025, remained unchanged, pre-orders were postponed to assess the financial impact. The Switch 2 was announced with a price tag of $449.99, and a Mario Kart World bundle was priced at $499.99 IGN.

Nintendo confirmed to TechCrunch that it has filed a request for a refund and has no further comment at this time TechCrunch.