Anbernic's Bold Move: All US Shipments Suspended!

In a dramatic shift amid looming trade upheavals, Anbernic, the renowned maker of Nintendo Game Boy clones, has announced an indefinite suspension of all shipments to the United States. This comes as manufacturers brace for escalating tariffs on Chinese imports, with potential hikes reaching an astonishing 245%!

The company stated, "Due to changes in U.S. tariff policies, we will be suspending all orders shipping from China to the United States starting today. We strongly recommend prioritizing products shipped from our U.S. warehouse, which are currently not affected by import duties and can be purchased with confidence." However, this warehouse isn't a new development; it's been an option for buyers all along.

Navigating Tariffs: Anbernic's Strategic Shift

Historically, Anbernic has operated by shipping its handheld devices directly from China to customers' homes upon introduction before stockpiling additional units stateside for quicker delivery. Recently, they had begun urging potential buyers to choose the U.S. warehouse option, highlighting that orders from China could face hefty customs fees.

Now, they've taken the drastic step of completely halting those international shipments. This decision echoes the actions of other tech companies like RetroTINK, who have similarly suspended operations due to uncertainty in how tariffs will be enforced.

The Price of Retro Gaming: Will Affordability Survive?

Anbernic's handheld devices have garnered a dedicated fanbase thanks to their affordable price point, usually retailing around $70 for the latest models. However, the specter of Trump’s tariffs now threatens their attractive price tags, leaving many unsure if Anbernic can sustain operations under these new financial strains.

For now, those eager to get their hands on Anbernic products may still find them available through third-party sellers like Amazon. It’s a surprising workaround, especially since these sellers often bundle devices with classic game ROMs.

Stay Updated: The Changing Landscape of Retro Gaming

For avid retro gaming enthusiasts, Retro Handhelds provides a regularly updated page tracking the status of tariffs affecting these devices. Currently, Anbernic stands alone in its complete suspension of U.S. shipments, leaving fans to wonder how long this might last and what the future holds for affordable retro gaming.