Playdate crank console customers in the U.S. to receive refunds for overpaid duties
While Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are facing lawsuits from American gamers due to canceled tariffs in the USA, Panic is moving in a customer-friendly direction.
Recently, Panic sent an email to the buyers of the Playdate handheld console, sharing good news. They reminded the recipients that last year, former U.S. President Donald Trump introduced new customs tariffs in the States, which compelled Panic to raise the device prices to cover the sudden additional costs. To the company's relief, in February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed the tariffs unconstitutional, allowing Panic to request a refund from the U.S. government. The authorities have since reimbursed Panic, and the company decided to pass the money back to the gamers who bought the Playdate at the higher price.
Later, in an interview with Game Developer, Panic co-founder Cabel Sasser explained that the company simply doesn't consider this money its own. They see the refunds due to tariffs as returning to gamers what rightfully belongs to them.
"Refunding money is very satisfying. It’s a simple way to understand that we made the right decision," said Sasser.
The number of people receiving a refund has not been specified. Panic also did not disclose the total amount of overpaid funds.