Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a prominent manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced a 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 advises customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by import duties, ensuring a hassle-free purchase. Orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for its affordable Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped directly from China upon release, with additional units stored in U.S. warehouses for later distribution. The company's website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, either from the U.S. or China. However, not all products are available from U.S. stock, which means certain items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H will no longer be accessible to American customers.

The suspension comes in the wake of the Trump administration's imposition of tariffs reaching up to 145% on imports from China. There's also a warning that tariffs on specific imports, such as electric vehicles, could escalate to 245% when combined with existing levies. While some companies might be able to absorb these increased costs, it's more common for these expenses to be passed on to consumers. This trend is already affecting the tech and gaming industries, with noticeable price hikes on items like Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic has expressed its commitment to finding a "suitable solution" for customers who might encounter custom fees during this period of transition.

In other gaming news, Nintendo recently unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct. Originally, pre-orders were scheduled to start in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo has postponed the pre-order date to April 24. Despite the delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price point for the Switch 2 console and its games, though prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.