Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a prominent 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 has advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by the new import duties, ensuring a seamless purchase experience. Unfortunately, orders requiring shipment directly from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for its affordable Game Boy-inspired devices, which are typically shipped directly from China to customers upon release, with additional stock held in U.S. warehouses. However, the company's website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, though not all products are available for shipment from the U.S. This means that certain items, such as the Anbernic RG CubeXX and the RG 406H, will no longer be accessible to American players.

The recent tariff hikes, initiated by the Trump administration, have imposed duties of up to 145% on imports from China. There's also a warning that tariffs on specific imports, including electric vehicles, could escalate to as high as 245% when combined with existing levies. While some businesses might manage to absorb these costs, more often than not, they are passed on to consumers. The ripple effect of these tariffs is already being felt in the gaming industry, with price increases on items like Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic has acknowledged the situation and is actively seeking solutions for customers affected by custom fees during this transitional period.

In related news, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 in a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders 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, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and its games, but has raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories.