Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a popular 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 advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by the new import duties. This allows American customers to continue purchasing with confidence. However, 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. Their website offers customers the option to choose between shipping from the U.S. or China, but 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, which can reach up to 145% on imports from China, and potential increases to 245% on specific items like electric vehicles, have significantly impacted the market. These costs are often passed on to consumers, leading to rising prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic is actively seeking a solution to assist customers who may face custom fees during this transitional period. Meanwhile, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, 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 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 on most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.