Anbernic Halts U.S. Shipments Due to Tariff Issues

Anbernic, a popular manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced a suspension of all orders to the U.S. due to "changes in U.S. tariff policies." The company has advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by the new import duties and can be purchased confidently. Orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is well-known for its budget-friendly Game Boy-inspired devices, which are typically shipped directly from China upon release, with additional stock stored in U.S. warehouses. Their website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, but not all products are available for U.S. shipment. As a result, certain items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H will no longer be accessible to American customers.

The recent tariff hikes, implemented by the Trump administration, can reach up to 145% on Chinese imports, with potential increases to 245% on specific products like electric vehicles when combined with existing tariffs. These increased costs are often passed on to consumers, significantly affecting the prices of tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

Anbernic has expressed its commitment to finding a "suitable solution" for customers affected by customs fees during this period of transition.

In related news, Nintendo recently unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct. Originally scheduled for pre-orders in early April in the U.S., delays due to tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada have pushed the pre-order date to April 24. Despite these delays, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and its games, but has raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories.