Anbernic, a leading manufacturer of retro handheld consoles, has announced a suspension of all U.S. orders due to recent changes in U.S. tariff policies. According to a report by The Verge, the company advised customers to prioritize purchasing products shipped from their U.S. warehouse, which are not affected by the new import duties. This means that orders requiring shipment directly from China will not be processed at this time.

Anbernic is renowned for its affordable Chinese Game Boy clones, which are typically shipped from China upon release and later stored in U.S. warehouses for quicker distribution. However, the company's website allows customers to choose between U.S. and Chinese shipping options, though not all products are available from the U.S. This limitation means that some popular items, like the Anbernic RG CubeXX and RG 406H, will no longer be accessible to American players.

The recent tariff policies implemented by the Trump administration, which impose tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, have significantly impacted the gaming industry. There are also warnings that tariffs on certain products, such as electric vehicles, could rise to 245% when combined with existing levies. While some businesses may be able to absorb these costs, it's more common for them to be passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for tech and gaming products, including Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and gaming laptops.

In response to the situation, Anbernic stated that they are "working to find a suitable solution" for customers who face unexpected custom fees during this transitional period.

In related news, Nintendo officially unveiled 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 tariff-related uncertainties in both the U.S. and Canada, Nintendo has delayed the pre-order date to April 24. Despite the delay, Nintendo has maintained the $449.99 price for the Switch 2 console and its games, though they have raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories.