Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against the US government, demanding a refund of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The case, filed by Nintendo’s U.S. subsidiary in the U.S. International Trade Court, argues that the company was forced to pay import duties that were later declared illegal.
The lawsuit follows a key court decision earlier this year that found the tariffs were imposed by invoking legal authority that did not actually allow such taxes. While the ruling invalidated the tariffs, it did not clearly explain how companies that had already paid them would get their money back. Nintendo is now asking the court to order a full refund, including interest.
Why Nintendo says tariffs are hurting its business
The tariffs were imposed during former US President Donald Trump’s administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law normally used to regulate economic activity during national emergencies. However, the United States Supreme Court ruled in February 2026 that the law does not give the president the authority to impose tariffs.
Nintendo argues that the policy had real business consequences. The company said the tariffs had disrupted the launch of its Nintendo Switch 2 and forced it to delay pre-orders in the U.S. while it assessed how the additional import costs might affect pricing. Even after pre-orders resumed, the company increased the prices of various accessories and older hardware models due to the changing trading environment. The company manufactures most of its hardware in Asia, particularly China and Vietnam, which were hit hard by the tariff measures.
Nintendo’s case is also part of a broader wave of legal action. Several companies across industries, from shipping and automobile companies to electronics manufacturers, have filed similar lawsuits seeking a refund of tariffs imposed during that period. For now, the courts will decide whether companies like Nintendo are entitled to these refunds.
