Anbernic, a well-known manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has recently announced the suspension of all orders to the U.S. due to "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, as these items are not currently affected by import duties and can be purchased with confidence. However, orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.
Anbernic is particularly recognized for its budget-friendly Chinese Game Boy clones. Typically, these are dropshipped from China directly to customers upon release, with additional stock being stored in U.S. warehouses for later distribution. Customers can choose their shipping origin on Anbernic's website, but not all products are available from the U.S. This means that some popular items, such as the Anbernic RG CubeXX and the RG 406H, are no longer accessible to American consumers.
The Trump administration has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on certain imports from China, with potential increases to 245% on electric vehicles and similar goods when combined with existing levies. While some companies can absorb these costs, they are often passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic is actively "working to find a suitable solution" for customers affected by custom fees "during this transitional period."
In related news, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders for the Switch 2 were slated to open in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff-related uncertainties in the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo decided to delay the pre-order date to April 24. Despite the delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price point for the Switch 2 console and its games, though it has raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories.
