Anbernic, a renowned manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has recently announced the suspension of all U.S. orders due to "changes in U.S. tariff policies." According to The Verge, the company advised customers to opt for products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which are unaffected by the new import duties. This means that orders requiring shipment directly from China will not be processed.
Anbernic is famous for its budget-friendly Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped from China upon release and later stored in U.S. warehouses for quicker delivery. However, their website allows customers to select their preferred shipping location, but not all products are available from U.S. stock. Consequently, certain models like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H are no longer accessible to American customers.
The Trump administration's tariff policy has imposed rates of up to 145% on imports from China, with potential increases to 245% for items like electric vehicles when combined with existing tariffs. These 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 assist customers who may face custom fees during this transitional period. Meanwhile, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 through a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. Originally planned for early April, pre-orders in the U.S. were delayed to April 24 due to tariff uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada. Despite the delay, the price of the Switch 2 console and games remains at $449.99, although prices for most Switch 2 accessories have been increased.