Anbernic, a well-known manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced the suspension of all orders to the U.S. due to recent changes in U.S. tariff policies. As reported by The Verge, Anbernic advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which remain unaffected by the new import duties and can be purchased with confidence. Orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.
Anbernic is celebrated for its budget-friendly Chinese Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped directly from China upon release, with surplus units stored in U.S. warehouses for subsequent orders. The company's website allows customers to select their shipping origin, either from the U.S. or China. However, not all products are available from the U.S., meaning some popular items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H are currently unavailable to American customers.
The recent tariff adjustments, initiated by the Trump administration, impose rates up to 145% on Chinese imports, with potential increases to 245% on certain products like electric vehicles when combined with existing tariffs. While some companies may absorb these costs, the burden is often passed on to consumers, contributing to rising prices in the tech and gaming sectors. This trend is already evident in the pricing of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic is actively seeking solutions to support customers affected by customs fees during this period of transition. Meanwhile, Nintendo recently unveiled the Switch 2 in a 60-minute Nintendo Direct. Originally planned for early April, U.S. pre-orders for the Switch 2 were delayed to April 24 due to tariff uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada. Despite the delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price point for the console and its games, though prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.
