Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a renowned manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has recently announced the suspension of all U.S. orders due to changes in U.S. tariff policies. As reported by The Verge, the company is urging customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by import duties. This move allows American players to purchase with confidence, avoiding the current restrictions on orders that require shipping directly from China.

Anbernic is well-known for its budget-friendly Chinese Game Boy clones. Typically, these devices are dropshipped from China to customers upon release, with additional units stored in U.S. warehouses for later distribution. However, the company's website offers the option to choose between shipping from the U.S. or China. Unfortunately, not all products, such as the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H, are available from U.S. warehouses, meaning these items are no longer accessible to American customers.

The Trump administration's imposition of tariffs, reaching up to 145% on imports from China, has significantly impacted the gaming industry. There's even a warning that tariffs on certain imports, like electric vehicles, could escalate to 245% when combined with existing levies. While some companies may absorb these costs, they are often passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic is actively working to find a suitable solution for customers who encounter custom fees during this transitional period, aiming to mitigate the impact of these tariff changes.

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, the pre-order date was delayed to April 24. Despite the delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and games, though prices on most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.