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 are not affected by the new import duties. This allows U.S. customers to continue purchasing with confidence, as orders requiring shipment from China will not be processed at this time.
Anbernic is well-known for its affordable Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped directly from China to customers upon release, with additional units stored in U.S. warehouses for later distribution. However, their website offers a choice between shipping from the U.S. or China, and not all products are available from the U.S. This means that some popular items, like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and the RG 406H, will no longer be accessible to American players.
The recent tariff hikes, initiated by the Trump administration, have imposed duties of up to 145% on certain imports from China, with the potential for even higher tariffs on products like electric vehicles, reaching up to 245%. These increased costs are often passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic is actively seeking solutions to support customers who may face additional customs fees during this period of transition.
In other news, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 in a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders for the Switch 2 were scheduled to open in early April in the U.S., but due to tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, the pre-order date has been delayed to April 24. Nintendo has decided to maintain the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and its games, though prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been raised.
