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 import duties and can be purchased confidently. Orders that would typically be shipped from China are currently not being processed.
Anbernic is renowned for its budget-friendly Game Boy clones, which are usually dropshipped from China upon release, with additional stock kept in U.S. warehouses. However, the company's website allows customers to select their shipping location, yet not all products are available from the U.S. This means that certain items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H are no longer accessible to American consumers.
The suspension comes in the wake of the Trump administration's implementation of tariffs that can reach up to 145% on imports from China, with potential increases to 245% on specific products like electric vehicles when combined with existing levies. These costs are typically passed on to consumers, and the gaming industry is already feeling the impact, with rising prices affecting products such as Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic has stated that they are "working to find a suitable solution" for any customers who may be affected by custom fees during this period of transition.
In related news, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders were slated 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, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and its games, though prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.
