Nintendo of America thanks fans for dealing with tariff-related price hikes by encouraging them to spend more money in a new sale

Nintendo of America has announced a “Customer Appreciation Sale” offering up to 30% off digital and physical Nintendo Switch products, including games, DLC, accessories, amiibo, and apparel. The sale runs from September 13-26, 2026, and Nintendo describes it as one of its largest promotions ever.

The controversial aspect of this announcement lies in Nintendo’s explanation for how the sale became possible. The company explicitly stated that the promotion is “made possible in part by tariff-related refunds,” noting that while “Nintendo absorbed most tariff-related costs,” the government refunds helped fund the sale.

This statement has drawn significant criticism from fans and industry observers. The controversy stems from ongoing legal disputes regarding tariff refunds. When the US government imposed tariffs in 2025 (which were later deemed illegal by the Supreme Court), companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft received refunds from the government. However, these companies did not pass the refunds to consumers, instead keeping the money. Nintendo now faces a class action lawsuit over this decision.

The framing of the current sale as enabled by tariff refunds—money that customers argue should have been returned to them—has prompted backlash. Fans have characterized the promotion with ironic quips like “You Get Your Tariff Money back… if You Give Them More Money,” highlighting the perception that consumers are being asked to spend money to benefit from refunds they never received.

While discounted games and products are generally welcomed, the explicit connection Nintendo drew between the sale and unshared tariff refunds has overshadowed what might otherwise have been a well-received customer appreciation initiative.

Nintendo of America thanks fans for dealing with tariff-related price hikes by encouraging them to spend more money in a new sale

Sources