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What Nintendo Meant by “Actively Assessing” U.S. Tariffs—and What Happened Next

Nintendo said it was assessing U.S. tariff effects in April 2025, then delayed Switch 2 preorders while keeping the launch date. Console prices held at reopening, while some accessory prices rose; later lawsuits have not established a buyer refund right.
From TheFinanceBase Team4 min to read
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Nintendo’s April 2025 “actively assessing” comment meant the company had not yet decided how the newly announced U.S. tariffs might affect its plans. It was not a confirmed Switch 2 price increase. Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders while it evaluated tariffs and market conditions, then reopened them at the announced console price while raising prices on several accessories. Later court disputes over tariff refunds have not established that Switch buyers are entitled to money back.

What did Nintendo mean by “actively assessing” tariffs?

On April 2, 2025, after new U.S. tariff announcements, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser said the situation had changed and the company was assessing the potential impact. Three days later, he told GBH that the Switch 2’s announced prices were based on previous tariffs, which had not affected those prices. Nintendo was still evaluating the newly announced situation and had no new pricing announcement. His comment described a review in progress, not a decision to raise prices. WIRED’s April 2025 report covered the initial response; GBH’s April 7 report quoted Bowser’s remarks.

Bowser described the planned prices as $449 for the standalone console and $499 for the console-and-Mario-Kart-World hardware SKU. Those were his reported figures in April 2025, not current price guidance. WIRED later reported the launch prices as $450 for the console and $499.99 for the bundle.

Why were U.S. Switch 2 preorders delayed?

Nintendo had planned to start U.S. preorders on April 9, 2025, but postponed them to assess tariffs and changing market conditions. The company’s statement, reproduced by GBH, said: “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.” The delay affected preorder timing; Nintendo said the launch date would remain June 5.

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#1 Best Overall
Nintendo Switch 2 System
  • The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play

Did tariffs make the Switch 2 more expensive?

When preorders reopened on April 24, 2025, WIRED reported that Nintendo kept the announced console and bundle prices but raised prices on several accessories. The changes show what Nintendo announced at that point; they do not, by themselves, establish how much tariff cost was passed on to buyers.

Product Reported price before adjustment Reported price after adjustment
Switch 2 console $450 $450
Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle $499.99 $499.99
Switch 2 Pro Controller $79.99 $84.99
Joy-Con 2 $89.99 $94.99

These are historical launch-period prices reported by WIRED in April 2025, not a statement of current prices. The report also said Nintendo left open the possibility of further adjustments depending on market conditions. No independent consumer-price study or robust statistic in the available reporting establishes the share of tariff costs reflected in customer prices. WIRED’s preorder reopening report detailed the console and accessory prices.

Rank #2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
  • 6.2” LCD screen
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers
  • Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends

Did Nintendo sue the U.S. government over tariffs?

Yes. On March 6, 2026, Nintendo of America filed a complaint against the U.S. government concerning duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), according to the U.S. Court of International Trade docket. The docket records procedural developments, including a stay and later orders. A complaint is not proof that Nintendo won or received a final recovery; the cited docket information does not establish a final outcome.

Can Switch buyers get a tariff refund from Nintendo?

A separate proposed consumer class action alleged that Nintendo’s tariff-related price increases, together with possible government refunds, could amount to a double recovery. Those are plaintiffs’ allegations, not an established finding that customers are owed refunds. In July 2026, Nintendo asked the court to dismiss the case and argued that people who bought products at advertised prices were not entitled to a later rebate simply because of subsequent tariff-related legal developments. Nintendo’s filing stated: “Plaintiffs are not entitled to a rebate simply because of intervening legal developments related to tariffs.” That is Nintendo’s legal position, not a ruling by the court. Game File’s report on Nintendo’s motion describes the argument; the federal court-records search is a source for filings and case materials.

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Rank #3
Sale
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
  • Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
  • This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
  • The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
  • Model number HAC 001( 01)

The distinction matters: Nintendo’s case seeks relief from the government over duties, while the consumer case asks whether buyers can claim any benefit if Nintendo receives tariff-related refunds. The two disputes are not interchangeable, and the claims described here do not establish a consumer entitlement or a final resolution.

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What did Nintendo say about tariff refunds in 2026?

Tom’s Hardware reported that Nintendo planned a U.S. “Customer Appreciation Sale” for September 13–26, 2026, and quoted Nintendo’s U.S. website as saying the promotion was “made possible in part by tariff-related refunds.” The statement also said, “While Nintendo absorbed most tariff-related costs, the refunds helped make promotions like this one possible.” The sale period has passed; the comments do not announce a refund program for customers.

Rank #4
Sale
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • 6.2” LCD screen.
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers

The same report said a 2026 earnings document recorded $300 million in tariff refunds. That amount is reported second-hand in Tom’s Hardware’s account, rather than established here from the underlying earnings document, and it should not be treated as proof that litigation ended or that consumers are entitled to a share. Tom’s Hardware’s September 2026 report gives the sale statement and the reported figure.

There is also a broader government refund dispute. The Associated Press reported in August 2026 that the U.S. government was appealing a trade-court order concerning refund coverage for companies that paid IEEPA tariffs. That appeal concerns the broader refund process; it does not decide the separate consumer case against Nintendo. The Associated Press report provides that context.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo Switch 2 System
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$499.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
6.2” LCD screen; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$339.00
SaleBestseller No. 3
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.; Model number HAC 001( 01)
$199.90
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
6.2” LCD screen.; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$195.00
Bestseller No. 5
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand; Two players can each take one
$200.00
Best Value
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
  • Two players can each take one
  • Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
  • Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

What Switch buyers should take away

  • Bowser’s phrase referred to Nintendo evaluating the consequences of newly announced tariffs in April 2025; it was not a confirmed price increase.
  • Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders but said the June 5, 2025 launch date would not change.
  • At preorder reopening, the reported console and bundle prices were unchanged while some accessory prices rose.
  • Nintendo later pursued its own tariff-related case against the U.S. government. Consumers separately alleged they should benefit from any refunds, while Nintendo argued against rebates for completed purchases.
  • The filings and reporting described here do not establish that buyers can claim a tariff refund from Nintendo.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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