# Nintendo's tariff refund becomes your discount

> Nintendo got money back from the US government, and it is passing some of it along as rare markdowns on its best games.
- Title: Nintendo's tariff refund becomes your discount · The Verge
- Summary: Nintendo got money back from the US government, and it is passing some of it along as rare markdowns on its best games. Nintendo games almost never drop…
- Keywords: nintendo, deals, switch, gaming, tariffs, technology, culture, Nintendo's, tariff, refund, becomes, discount
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/gadgets/994892/nintendo-customer-appreciation-tariff-refund-deal-sale
- Author: Brad Bourque
- Published: 2026-09-14T19:30:58+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nintendo, deals, switch, gaming, tariffs, technology, culture
## Nintendo is finally discounting
Switch games and accessories are marked down at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Nintendo's own store. The company is calling it a Customer Appreciation sale.
## Tariff refunds paid for this
The sale exists because Nintendo received tariff-related refunds from the US government. Direct refunds to buyers would have been nicer, but cheaper games work too.

> Tariff refunds would have been nice, but discounted games and accessories is okay, too.
## You have until September 26th
Everything ends at 8:59 PM PT on September 26th. That is well ahead of the holiday season, when Nintendo prices usually stay locked to list.
## Zelda for $49
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom drops to $49 from $70, a 30 percent cut. Link's return to Hyrule builds on Breath of the Wild with enough new to feel fresh.

> enough has changed to make Link's return to Hyrule plenty special
## Bundles and upgrade packs
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Booster Course pass runs just under $60, and Animal Crossing with DLC is $60. Switch 2 Editions are not discounted, but upgrade packs cost $9.99 and $4.99.
## Alarmo hits $77
Nintendo's motion-sensing alarm clock is $77, down from $100. It watches whether you are still in bed and gets more aggressive the longer you sleep in.
## The Pro Controller at $56
Twenty percent off the 2017 controller that is still hard to beat: HD rumble, motion controls, NFC, and a shape that stays comfortable for long sessions.

> it's one of the most comfortable Switch controllers out there
## Metroid Prime 4 already cut
Beyond drops to $42 from $60. Samus now has a motorcycle and psychic powers, and not every new idea lands, but the combat and eerie exploration deliver.
## Three more at $42
Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 3 are each 30 percent off. Odyssey remains one of the original Switch's high points.

> Odyssey feels like a breath of fresh air
## Key takeaway

Nintendo games almost never drop below list price, so if you want Tears of the Kingdom, Odyssey, or Alarmo, buy before September 26th.