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Sony Faces Class Action Over Alleged Tariff ‘Double Dip’ on PS5 Prices

The case tests whether importers must pass government tariff refunds to customers who paid higher retail prices.

Overview

  • The complaint, filed May 6 in federal court in Northern California, claims Sony raised PlayStation console prices during the tariff period and now stands to keep U.S. Customs refunds that plaintiffs say should go to buyers.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on April 20 that the IEEPA tariffs were unlawful, and Customs launched a refund portal the same day for importers seeking their money back.
  • Plaintiffs cite two U.S. price hikes, announced August 20, 2025 and May 27, 2026, and detail increases between August 21, 2025 and April 2, 2026 of $150 on PS5 disc and digital models and $200 on PS5 Pro.
  • Sony previously pointed to a challenging market, including supply issues and component costs, rather than tariffs alone, and early coverage notes any class payout could be modest once fees are deducted.
  • Similar lawsuits target Nintendo, Amazon, Nike, and Adidas, reflecting a broader fight over whether refunds tied to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs should flow through importers to consumers.