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Panic passes Trump tariff refunds to Playdate customers
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Panic refunded nearly $100,000 in illegal Trump tariffs to Playdate customers.
The move contrasts with big console makers keeping the money.
Background
The Trump administration imposed tariffs on imported goods, including the Playdate handheld, which Panic passed on to customers due to low margins. The Supreme Court ruled the tariffs illegal in February 2026, and Panic received refunds from the government, which it then passed back to customers.
How it unfolded
- 2026Trump administration imposes tariffs on imported goods, including Playdate hardware.
- Feb 2026Supreme Court rules the broadest tariff program illegal.
- Aug 26, 2026Panic emails customers about refunds, depositing nearly $100,000 back to credit cards.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Panic co-founder Cabel Sasser: 'That's not our money to keep.'
- Public
- Customers on Reddit share refund emails, praising Panic's decision.