Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs That Hiked Prices On Switch, Xbox, And PS5 (Update)
Kotaku
by Zack ZwiezenFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that President Trump could not use a 1977 law to impose tariffs on gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, as well as other tech products. The court’s decision struck down the tariffs imposed on over 50 countries, which had led to price hikes for these popular devices. This ruling highlights a significant legal and economic victory for consumers and businesses affected by the tariffs.
The tariffs were enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1977, a law originally designed to protect national security interests. However, the court found that Trump had misapplied the law by using it to target foreign tech products, which was not its intended purpose. The ruling emphasizes that Section 232 should only be used in cases where imports directly threaten U.S. national security, rather than as a tool for broader economic policy.
For gamers and entertainment enthusiasts, this decision is particularly significant. The tariffs had increased the cost of gaming consoles, making them less accessible to consumers. The ruling not only lowers prices but also sets a precedent that limits the president’s ability to impose tariffs on non-security-related goods. This outcome could have broader implications for international trade policies and may encourage console manufacturers to expand their production or lower prices further in response to the lifted tariffs.
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Originally published on Kotaku on 2/20/2026