Console Prices Could Rise Again as New Tariffs Loom

Thinking about grabbing a new console? You might want to hold off. Reports suggest that the Trump administration is weighing another round of tariffs on imported computer chips, and this time, gaming consoles could be in the crosshairs.

According to Politico, the administration is looking to expand the list of tech products subject to duties. That list could include everyday electronics that rely on these chips—think gaming consoles, data center servers, and laptops. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is reportedly eyeing these tariffs as a way to push foreign tech companies to build manufacturing plants in the US if they want tax relief.

Now, this plan isn't set in stone yet. It could change in the coming months, and if approved, Politico's sources say the tariffs would be rolled out slowly. But the mere possibility has already got tech companies worried. They've warned that these taxes could backfire and hurt America's efforts in the AI race. Building the advanced chip factories needed for semiconductors and memory isn't cheap—it costs billions and takes years.

This wouldn't be the first time tariffs have hit console prices. Under Trump's earlier tariffs, Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft all bumped up their hardware prices. While they never directly blamed tariffs—citing global economic instability and other factors—they did mention that tariff refunds helped their bottom lines. Both Sony and Nintendo received nice paydays earlier this year after the Supreme Court ruled Trump's tariffs unlawful.

But here's the kicker: none of that refund money has been passed back to consumers. However, Panic, the maker of the PlayDate handheld, confirmed this week that it will refund anyone who bought the device during the price hike period. That's a rare move in the industry.

So, what does this mean for you? If you're in the market for a new console, you might want to keep an eye on the news. Prices could go up again if these tariffs come into effect. But for now, it's all speculation. Would you still buy a console if prices rose? Let us know in the comments!