Console Makers Resist Tariff Refund Demands from US Buyers

Console manufacturers Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have pushed back against class actions demanding they refund tariff-related price increases to customers. In US courts, the companies argue that buyers 'suffered no cognizable injury' since they paid advertised prices for functioning consoles.

Sony's lawyers claimed in a filing that plaintiffs had not plausibly alleged tariffs caused the price hikes. Microsoft was more direct: 'He paid for it, he received it, and he continues to use it,' referring to the plaintiff.

Nintendo moved first after the US Supreme Court ruled tariffs illegal, forcing refunds to companies. It argues that plaintiffs do not dispute Nintendo's pricing adjustments were lawful.

The companies stand to gain significant sums: Sony expects around 80 billion yen (approximately $510M), while Nintendo has already recorded a $300M refund. Microsoft has not disclosed its expected refund amount.