Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a prominent 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 advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which are currently unaffected by import duties. This allows American buyers to purchase with confidence, as orders requiring shipment from China will no longer be processed.

Anbernic is renowned for its affordable Game Boy clones, typically shipped directly from China to customers upon release, with additional units later stored in U.S. warehouses. Their website offers customers the choice between shipping from the U.S. or China. However, not all products are available from U.S. stocks, meaning popular models like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H are now unavailable to American players.

The tariff changes stem from policies implemented during the Trump administration, which imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports. There's also a warning that tariffs on specific imports, such as electric vehicles, could potentially rise to 245% when combined with existing duties. While some businesses might absorb these costs, the burden is usually passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for tech and gaming products. This impact is already noticeable in items like Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic is actively seeking solutions for customers facing customs fees during this period of transition. They are committed to resolving these issues to minimize the impact on their customer base.

In related news, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Initially, pre-orders 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 postponed the pre-order start date to April 24. Despite the delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price point for the Switch 2 console and its games, though prices have been raised on most Switch 2 accessories.