Sony hit with a class action lawsuit for allegedly profiting from tariff-related price hikes

Source: Engadget

Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

Gamers have filed a class‑action lawsuit against Sony, alleging the company received a “substantial windfall” from price hikes that followed the Trump administration’s tariff policy. The suit, filed in California earlier this month, seeks refunds for anyone who purchased a PlayStation console during the tariff period that led to elevated price tags.

Background

• In 2025, President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• Around the same time, Sony raised PS5 prices in the United States in August 2025, citing a “challenging economic environment.”
• The U.S. Supreme Court later ruled 6‑3 that the administration lacked authority to impose the tariffs in that manner, requiring the federal government to refund affected companies.
• Some companies are already receiving refunds, according to a report from CNBC.

The Lawsuit

• The complaint alleges Sony passed the increased import costs onto customers while also being entitled to government refunds, resulting in a “double recovery windfall.”
• Plaintiffs are seeking refunds for all consumers who bought a PlayStation console during the tariff‑affected period.
• The case is docketed in California: docket link.

Related Legal Actions

Nintendo

• A similar class‑action suit was filed in April against Nintendo over tariff‑related price increases.
• Nintendo has also sued the U.S. government for financial harm caused by the tariffs.
• Details: TechRadar article and Engadget article.

Amazon

• The retailer faces a class‑action lawsuit alleging it failed to refund customers after the unlawful tariffs.
• Details: Engadget article.