Nintendo Sues U.S. Government for Tariff Refunds, Joining Broad Challenge to Trump-Era Duties

Nintendo of America is seeking refunds for tariffs paid under the Trump administration, filing a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade. This action follows a Supreme Court ruling that limited the president’s authority to impose tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. Nintendo is not alone in this pursuit; a growing number of companies and states are challenging the legality of these tariffs and seeking reimbursement.

Supreme Court Ruling and Refund Claims

The Supreme Court’s decision in February 2026 struck down the use of the IEPEA to justify broad tariffs. Despite this ruling, the Trump administration has attempted to maintain tariffs through other means, including a 15% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is limited to 150 days unless Congress extends it [Deadline]. Nintendo’s lawsuit, filed late last week, aims to recover the money paid in tariffs, plus interest, arguing that the initial imposition of these duties was unlawful [Deadline].

Impact on Nintendo and Consumers

While Nintendo avoided raising the price of its Switch 2 console when the tariffs were enacted, the company did increase prices on accessories like Joy-Con controllers and the camera/dock set in April [Arstechnica]. Nintendo’s complaint doesn’t specify the exact amount of tariffs it seeks to recover, but the company has a significant amount of liquidated duties at stake [Arstechnica]. The company reported net sales of $12.3 billion and profits of $2.3 billion in its most recent earnings report, with 17.37 million Switch 2 units sold in the first nine months [Arstechnica].

Broader Legal Challenges

Nintendo is not the only company pursuing tariff refunds. Costco, Revlon, GoPro, Toyota, and FedEx are among the businesses seeking to recover payments made under the disputed tariffs [Aftermath]. Twenty-four states have also filed a lawsuit challenging tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 [Yahoo Finance].

Concerns Over Refund Process

Nintendo fears the Trump administration may attempt to avoid full refunds to companies whose tariffs have already been liquidated, meaning the duties owed were finalized [Arstechnica]. The company argues that the Court of International Trade must order the government to proceed with prompt refunds to all importers [Arstechnica].

Consumer Reimbursement

While Nintendo has not addressed whether it will reimburse consumers for increased prices due to tariffs, Cards Against Humanity has pledged to offer refunds to customers who overpaid, and FedEx has also announced it will refund customers [Arstechnica].