Trump Administration Weighs New Tariffs That Could Impact Video Game Console Prices

Video game console price increases could return as the Trump administration reportedly weighs implementing a new round of tariffs on imported computer chips. According to Politico, the administration is considering expanding tech products subject to duties to include everyday electronics utilizing these chips, such as gaming consoles, data center servers, and laptops. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reportedly aims to use these tariffs to pressure foreign tech companies into building manufacturing plants within the United States in exchange for tax relief.

While this plan remains unfinalized and subject to change, Politico sources indicate that any approved tariffs would be implemented slowly. Tech companies have previously warned that such taxes could undermine United States efforts in the artificial-intelligence race, noting that advanced chip factories required for semiconductors and memory cost billions of dollars and take years to establish.

This potential policy follows prior price increases for Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft hardware attributed to previous tariffs under President Donald Trump. Although major hardware manufacturers did not directly blame past price hikes on tariffs—instead pointing to global economic instability—they acknowledged that tariff refunds benefited their bottom lines. For example, Sony and Nintendo received refunds earlier this year after the US Supreme Court declared previous tariffs unlawful, though those funds were not passed back to consumers. Meanwhile, Panic, the maker of the PlayDate handheld, recently confirmed it will issue refunds to customers who purchased the device after its price was increased to cover those tariffs.