Anbernic, a prominent manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced the suspension of all U.S. orders due to recent shifts 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. Anbernic emphasized that these U.S. warehouse items can be purchased with confidence, while orders requiring shipment from China will no longer be processed.
Anbernic is well-known for its affordable Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped directly from China upon release, with surplus units stored in U.S. warehouses. The company's website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, but not all products are available from the U.S. Consequently, some sought-after models like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H will be unavailable to American gamers.
The Trump administration's imposition of tariffs, reaching up to 145% on imports from China, has significantly impacted the gaming industry. There's a looming threat that tariffs on certain imports, such as electric vehicles, could surge to 245% when combined with existing levies. Although some businesses within the supply chain can absorb these costs, the burden is frequently passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic has committed to finding a "suitable solution" for customers facing customs fees during this challenging period.
In related news, Nintendo officially introduced the Switch 2 through a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders were slated to commence in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo postponed the pre-order date to April 24. Despite the delay, Nintendo maintained the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and its games, although prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.
