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 advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which are not subject to import duties. This means that orders requiring shipment directly from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for its affordable Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped directly from China upon release, with additional stock later stored in U.S. warehouses. However, their website allows customers to choose between shipping from the U.S. or China. Unfortunately, not all products, such as the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H, are available from the U.S. warehouse, rendering them currently unavailable to American customers.

The decision comes in the wake of tariff policies implemented by the Trump administration, which impose duties of up to 145% on certain imports from China. There's also a warning that tariffs on some products, like electric vehicles, could rise to 245% when combined with existing levies. While some businesses might absorb these costs, they are usually passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic is actively seeking solutions to assist customers who may face custom fees during this transition period. Meanwhile, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2 through a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Initially, pre-orders for the Switch 2 were scheduled to open in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo has postponed the pre-order date to April 24. The price of the Switch 2 console and games remains at $449.99, but prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been increased.