Retro handheld console manufacturer Anbernic has suspended all U.S. orders.
As spotted by The Verge, the company blamed “changes in U.S. tariff policies,” and recommended players “prioritize products shipped from our U.S. warehouse, which are currently not affected by import duties and can be purchased with confidence.” Orders that require shipping from China will not be processed.
Anbernic is perhaps best known for its cheap Chinese Game Boy clones, which it typically dropships from China to customers as they’re released, then stockpiles additional units in U.S. warehouses.
Anbernic’s website lets customers choose whether to ship from the U.S. or China, but not all products are available from the U.S., which means some items, such as the Anbernic RG CubeXX or the RG 406H, will no longer be available to American players.
The Trump administration has implemented tariffs of up to 145% on imports from China, and warned tariffs on some imports, like electric vehicles, could reach up to 245% when added to existing levies. While it’s possible for some companies in the supply chain to absorb these costs, more often than not, they’re passed onto consumers. Unfortunately for gamers, rising prices are already impacting tech and gaming goods, such as Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.
Anbernic said is it “working to find a suitable solution” for any customers hit with custom fees “during this transitional period.”
Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 in a 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. While pre-orders were originally set to open in early April in the U.S., tariff-related uncertainty both in the U.S. and Canada caused Nintendo to delay the pre-order date to April 24. During the delay, Nintendo kept the $449.99 price of the Switch 2 console and games the same, but raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories.
Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
