Americans have turned to Nintendo demanding compensation for the overpayment on Trump's import tariffs.

Brief overview

Two Americans filed a class action lawsuit against the Nintendo of America branch.

They claim that the company is deliberately withholding money that should be returned by federal authorities for illegally imposed tariffs on Nintendo products.

1. What happened with the tariffs
DateEventFebruary 2025The U.S. Supreme Court ruled: President Donald Trump unlawfully imposed customs duties, citing the “International Emergency Economic Powers Act.” As a result, authorities must return all seized funds. April 20 2026An online portal for importers and brokers was launched where applications for tariff refunds can be submitted. Expected processing time is 60–90 days. As of March 4 2026, more than 330,000 importers have already paid a total of $166 billion.

2. Nintendo’s actions
MonthActions by the companyApril 2025Price hikes on accessories for the new Switch 2May 2025CEO Shuntaro Furukawa told investors that tariffs would be treated as costs and included in product pricing. August 2025Price increase on the original Switch from $30 to $50 (depending on model). In March Nintendo filed a lawsuit in the U.S., demanding full refund of funds and an injunction against withholding any portion.

3. Plaintiffs’ theses
1. Price hikes – Nintendo shifted the economic burden of tariffs onto consumers.
2. No obligation – the company is not required to return overpaid money to customers.
3. Three stages of bad faith
* price increases due to customs duties;
* lack of notification about intent to seek reimbursement;
* withholding funds that had previously been passed on to consumers.

4. What’s next
* Even if the Trump administration complies with all court orders and returns the money, the problem will not disappear: after losing in the Supreme Court, the president re‑imposed a 10 % tariff based on the 1974 “Trade Act.”
* States have filed lawsuits to block the new decision; litigation will take time.

Conclusion:

The class action alleges that Nintendo unlawfully retains funds that should be returned to American consumers following the repeal of tariffs. The case is still unfolding in court and could affect prices and availability of Nintendo products in the U.S.