Anbernic, a popular manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced the suspension of all orders to the United States. As reported by The Verge, the company cited "changes in U.S. tariff policies" as the reason behind this decision. Anbernic advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which are not currently affected by import duties, ensuring a hassle-free purchase. Orders that require shipping directly from China will no longer be processed.
Anbernic is well-known for producing affordable Game Boy clones, 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, either from the U.S. or China. However, not all products are available for shipment from the U.S., meaning certain items like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H are now unavailable to American customers.
The suspension comes in the wake of the Trump administration's implementation of tariffs, which can reach up to 145% on imports from China. There's also a warning that tariffs on specific imports, such as electric vehicles, could escalate to 245% when combined with existing levies. While some businesses might absorb these costs, they are more commonly passed on to consumers. This has already led to increased prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic is actively seeking a "suitable solution" to assist customers who might face customs fees during this transitional period.
In related news, Nintendo officially revealed the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally, pre-orders were scheduled to open in early April in the U.S., but due to uncertainties related to tariffs in both the U.S. and Canada, the pre-order date was delayed to April 24. Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price point for the Switch 2 console and its games, but raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories during this delay.
