Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a popular manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced a suspension of all U.S. orders due to recent changes in U.S. tariff policies. As reported by The Verge, the company advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by these new import duties, ensuring a seamless purchasing experience. Orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is renowned for producing affordable Game Boy-style clones, typically shipped directly from China upon release, with additional stock stored in U.S. warehouses for quicker domestic delivery. However, their website offers customers the choice between U.S. and China shipping options, though not all products are available from the U.S. This means that certain models, like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H, will no longer be accessible to American consumers.

The Trump administration's implementation of tariffs reaching up to 145% on imports from China, with potential increases to 245% for items like electric vehicles, has significantly impacted the market. These costs are often passed down to consumers, affecting the prices of tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

In response, Anbernic is actively seeking a solution for customers who might face custom fees during this transitional period. Meanwhile, Nintendo has also been affected by these tariff uncertainties. The company officially unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders for the console were scheduled to open in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo delayed the pre-order date to April 24. Despite the delay, the price of the Switch 2 console and its games remains at $449.99, though prices on most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.