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 advises customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by import duties. This move comes as orders requiring shipment from China will no longer be processed.
Anbernic is well-known for its budget-friendly Game Boy clones, typically shipped directly from China to customers upon release, with surplus stock stored in U.S. warehouses. However, their website offers customers the choice between U.S. and Chinese shipping, although not all products are available from the U.S. This means that certain items, such as the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H, will no longer be accessible to American players.
The Trump administration's implementation of tariffs, reaching up to 145% on Chinese imports, and the potential for tariffs on items like electric vehicles to soar to 245%, have significantly impacted the market. While some companies might absorb these costs, they are more commonly passed on to consumers, leading to rising prices in tech and gaming goods, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
In response, Anbernic is actively seeking solutions to assist customers affected by customs fees during this transitional period.
In related news, Nintendo officially revealed the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Initially, 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, the price of the Switch 2 console and games remains at $449.99, though prices have been raised on most Switch 2 accessories.
