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 due to recent changes in U.S. tariff policies. According to The Verge, the company advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which are not affected by the new import duties, ensuring a hassle-free purchase. Unfortunately, orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for its budget-friendly Game Boy clones, typically shipped directly from China upon release, with additional stock later stored in U.S. warehouses. Their website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, though not all products are available from the U.S. This means that certain items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H are currently unavailable to American customers.

The Trump administration's implementation of tariffs, which can reach up to 145% on Chinese imports, has significantly impacted the gaming industry. There's also a warning that tariffs on some imports, such as electric vehicles, could soar to 245% when combined with existing levies. While some companies might be able to absorb these costs, they are more commonly passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for gaming and tech products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic has expressed its commitment to finding a suitable solution for 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 for the console were set to open in early April in the U.S., but due to uncertainties related to tariffs both in 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 games, though prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.