Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a popular manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced the suspension of all U.S. orders. As reported by The Verge, the company cited "changes in U.S. tariff policies" as the reason behind this decision. Anbernic is urging customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which are currently unaffected by import duties and can be purchased with confidence. Any orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for its affordable Chinese Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped directly from China to customers upon release. The company also maintains stock in U.S. warehouses for faster delivery. However, their website allows customers to select shipping from either the U.S. or China, though not all products are available from the U.S. This means that some sought-after items, like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and the RG 406H, will no longer be accessible to American players.

The suspension comes in the wake of the Trump administration's implementation of tariffs on Chinese imports, which can reach up to 145%. There's also a warning that tariffs on certain imports, such as electric vehicles, could escalate to as high as 245% when combined with existing levies. While some companies might be able to absorb these costs, they are often passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for tech and gaming products. This trend is already evident with Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic has stated that it is "working to find a suitable solution" for any customers affected by custom fees during this transitional period.

In related news, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders were scheduled to open in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo has delayed the pre-order date to April 24. Despite the delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and its games, though it has raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories.