'It's just not our money to keep': Handheld console maker Panic is refunding US tariff fees to its customers

Summary

Panic has shared great news for its customers this week: those who purchased its handheld console and were charged extra for tariffs will receive a refund. Co-founder Cabel Sasser explained in an email to Game Developer that there was a specific window of time this year when they charged tariffs to customers, noting they tried to absorb the costs but ultimately decided to give the money back. Known for a transparent and user-friendly approach, Panic's proactive refund not only respects its customers but also highlights how companies can navigate trade policy volatility. For players, this means an unexpected expense will be returned, easing the financial burden of their purchase. For the industry, this move may serve as a reference for other hardware makers on balancing business interests with user trust under tariff pressures. Panic's action has been met with community praise and could strengthen brand loyalty.