Sony, Microsoft Move to Dismiss Tariff-Based Console Price Suits

Sony and Microsoft have asked courts to dismiss consumer class actions that claim 2025 PS5 and Xbox price hikes were driven by U.S. tariffs. The companies argue there is no direct tariff-to-price link and that inflation, currency swings, component costs, logistics, competition, and demand influenced pricing. Sony notes tariff refunds totaling about $508 million, but says that does not automatically translate into consumer rebates, while Microsoft says customers paid the advertised price and received the product they chose. Nintendo has sought dismissal in a separate case. The rulings could affect whether hardware makers must pass tariff windfalls back to consumers as pricing shocks are absorbed.