Console Makers Request Dismissal of Tariff Refund Lawsuits

Two major gaming console manufacturers have requested dismissal of consumer lawsuits accusing them of not passing on tariff refunds to consumers. Sony and Microsoft filed motions in California's Northern District and Washington State, respectively.

The lawsuits were filed after price increases for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles in 2025. Consumers alleged that these hikes were due to US-imposed tariffs, which the US Supreme Court later ruled as illegal, entitling them to refunds.

Sony argued that the company is not legally required to pass tariff refunds to consumers, describing claims that tariffs caused the price increases as 'speculative and illogical.' The company cited factors such as inflation, currency fluctuations, component costs, logistics, competitive dynamics, or demand as responsible for the price hikes.

Maryland-based lawyers for Microsoft made similar arguments in a separate lawsuit filed in federal court. They stated that consumers who purchased an Xbox at an advertised price received exactly what they paid for and should not be entitled to refunds.