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. As reported by The Verge, the company has advised customers to prioritize purchasing products that are shipped from their U.S. warehouse, as these items are currently exempt from import duties and can be bought with confidence. 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 to customers upon release, with additional stock being stored in U.S. warehouses. Their website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, either from the U.S. or China. However, not all products are available for U.S. shipping, meaning that some popular models like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H will no longer be accessible to American players.

The Trump administration has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on imports from China, with warnings that tariffs on certain items, such as electric vehicles, could escalate to as high as 245% when combined with existing levies. While some companies may be able to absorb these costs, they are often passed on to consumers. This has already led to increased prices for various tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic has stated that they are actively seeking a suitable solution for customers who might face custom fees during this transitional period.

In related news, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Although pre-orders were initially scheduled to open in early April in the U.S., uncertainties related to tariffs in both the U.S. and Canada prompted Nintendo to delay the pre-order date to April 24. Throughout this delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price point for the Switch 2 console and its games, but has raised prices on most of the Switch 2 accessories.