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 opt for products shipped from its U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by import duties and can be purchased confidently. However, orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for producing affordable Game Boy clones, typically shipped directly from China to customers upon release, with additional stock held in U.S. warehouses. The company's website offers customers the choice between U.S. and China shipping, though not all products are available from the U.S. Consequently, certain items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H will be unavailable to American players during this period.

The Trump administration's tariffs, which can reach up to 145% on imports from China, have been a significant factor in this decision. There's also a warning that tariffs on some products, such as electric vehicles, might escalate to 245% when combined with existing levies. These increased costs are often passed onto consumers, affecting the pricing of tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic is actively seeking a resolution for customers who face customs fees during this transitional period. They are committed to finding a suitable solution to mitigate the impact on their U.S. customer base.

In related news, Nintendo recently unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct. Originally, pre-orders were scheduled to commence in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo has postponed the pre-order date to April 24. Despite the delay, the price for the Switch 2 console and its games remains at $449.99, though most Switch 2 accessories have seen a price increase.