Anbernic, a prominent manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has recently 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 their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by import duties, ensuring a hassle-free purchase experience. Orders requiring shipment from China will no longer be processed.
Anbernic is widely recognized for its budget-friendly, Chinese-made Game Boy clones. Their business model typically involves direct shipping from China upon product release, followed by storing additional units in U.S. warehouses. Customers can choose between U.S. and China shipping options on Anbernic's website. However, not all products are available for U.S. shipping, leading to the unavailability of certain models like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H for American consumers.
The suspension comes in the wake of the Trump administration's imposition of tariffs, which can reach up to 145% on imports from China. There are also warnings that tariffs on some imports, such as electric vehicles, could escalate to 245% when combined with existing levies. These increased costs are often passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic is actively seeking solutions to assist customers who might face custom fees during this "transitional period."
In related news, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Initially, pre-orders for the Switch 2 were slated to open in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo has 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 have been raised on most Switch 2 accessories.
