Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a prominent manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has recently announced the 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. To navigate this challenge, Anbernic advises customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by the new import duties and can be confidently purchased. Unfortunately, orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for its budget-friendly Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped directly from China upon release, with additional stock later 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 certain popular items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H will no longer be accessible to American customers.

The current U.S. administration has imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, reaching up to 145%, with potential increases to 245% on certain products like electric vehicles. While some businesses may absorb these costs, they are more frequently passed on to consumers. This tariff escalation is already affecting the pricing of gaming and tech products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic is actively seeking a "suitable solution" for customers affected by these custom fees during this "transitional period."

In related news, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders for the U.S. were scheduled to open in early April, 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 most Switch 2 accessories.