Panic, maker of the crank-powered handheld gaming console Playdate, is refunding customers the US tariff fees charged during a specific period last year [1, 2, 3]. The Playdate launched in 2022, and the tariffs affecting its imports took effect in 2025 [1, 2].
Customers who purchased a Playdate during the tariff period should have received or will receive an email notification about the refund [1, 2]. Panic co-founder Cabel Sasser explained, "There was a specific window of time this year where we charged tariffs to customers. We tried absorbing the cost for a while, but that was financially difficult for a small company like ours. We made the tariff a very obvious and clearly labeled line item on checkout for any customer affected" [3].
The tariffs imposed levies on imports from many countries and raised prices on numerous consumer electronics made in Asia [1]. Panic spent significant effort completing paperwork and building a refund systems, which he said was a disproportionate burden compared to larger companies [3]. The highest tariff refund reported is $25, a reasonable portion relative to the Playdate’s $179 launch price and current $250 price [2].
The US Supreme Court ordered the government earlier this year to refund the tariff fees collected, enabling manufacturers such as Panic to pass refunds to customers [1, 2, 3]. Unlike Panic, Nintendo has refused to refund tariffs to customers despite likely receiving refunds from the government and is seeking dismissal of a class-action lawsuit demanding refunds [1, 2].
Panic began notifying customers and issuing refunds earlier this year after the Supreme Court’s ruling [1, 2, 3].
