Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a prominent manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced the suspension of all orders to the United States. This decision, as reported by The Verge, stems from recent "changes in U.S. tariff policies." The company advises customers to opt for products shipped from its U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by the new import duties and can be purchased confidently. However, orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is widely recognized for its budget-friendly Game Boy-inspired devices, which are typically shipped directly from China upon release, with additional stock later stored in U.S. warehouses. While Anbernic's website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, not all products are available for shipment from the U.S. This means that certain popular models, such as the Anbernic RG CubeXX and the RG 406H, will no longer be accessible to American customers.

The root of these changes lies in the Trump administration's imposition of tariffs, which can reach up to 145% on goods imported from China. There's also a warning that tariffs on some products, like electric vehicles, could escalate to as much as 245% when combined with existing levies. While some companies might absorb these additional costs, it's more common for them to be passed on to the consumer. This trend is already affecting the pricing of tech and gaming products, including accessories for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and gaming laptops.

Anbernic is actively seeking solutions to support customers who may face unexpected customs fees during this period of transition.

In related news, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders for the new console were scheduled to open in early April in the U.S., but due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs 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 point for the Switch 2 console and its games, though it has raised prices on the majority of Switch 2 accessories.