In a significant development for retro gaming enthusiasts, Anbernic, a leading manufacturer of handheld gaming consoles, has announced that it will suspend all direct shipments to customers in the United States. This decision, which was communicated to customers on Sunday, comes in response to the increased tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports. Anbernic's move is particularly impactful as it is one of the most prolific companies in the retro handheld gaming market, known for its diverse range of devices.

The company stated that the suspension of shipments is effective immediately and will remain in place until there is greater clarity regarding the import duties that U.S. customers will face for products coming from China. In a notice to customers, Anbernic mentioned, due to changes in U.S. tariff policies, we will be suspending all shipping from China to the United States starting today. We strongly recommend prioritizing products shipped from our U.S. warehouse.

Previously, Anbernic offered customers the option to choose between international shipping from China or faster delivery from its U.S. warehouse. However, the latter option had limited stock availability. With the suspension now in effect, it remains uncertain how long the existing supply of Anbernic consoles in the U.S. will last. The company has committed to updating its customers as soon as it receives confirmed information regarding the changes in import duties.

For those eager to get their hands on Anbernics devices, alternative purchasing routes remain available. Consumers may still find Anbernic handhelds listed on popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and AliExpress. Interestingly, AliExpress often offers these devices at significantly lower prices than their counterparts on other platforms. For example, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, a handheld reminiscent of the classic Game Boy, is priced at $48 on AliExpress, whereas it retails for $50 on the official Anbernic website and is listed at an eye-watering $80 on Amazon. As supplies within the U.S. dwindle, it is reasonable to anticipate an increase in prices across all retail platforms.

The broader implications of the tariffs are concerning, particularly as President Trump has imposed an eye-popping 145% tariff on imports from China, a move that is expected to drive up prices for American consumers. This tariff policy specifically targets the de minimis exemptions that previously allowed certain Chinese e-commerce companies, such as Temu and Shein, to ship low-cost products to the U.S. In a further escalation, Trumps new trade policies will involve additional duties on specific products imported from China, with a notable increase in costs that will rise from $75 in May to $150 by June. Both Temu and Shein recently announced that they would be adjusting prices on their offerings due to these impending changes in the global trade landscape.

This tariff situation poses a particular challenge for the retro gaming community, which has often relied on affordable handheld consoles for nostalgic gaming experiences. Anbernic has been a staple in this market since its inception in 2017, consistently releasing a wide array of handheld products each year. Their lineup includes popular models such as the RG350, launched in 2020, and the RG351V from 2021. Just earlier this month, the company revealed its latest device, the RG557, which boasts an upgraded processor and an OLED display, promising a more immersive gaming experience.

As Anbernic navigates this challenging landscape, the future of other handheld manufacturers, including Miyoo, Ayaneo, TrimUI, and Retroid, remains uncertain in light of these tariffs. Retroid, another player in the handheld gaming market, recently informed its customers via Discord that all shipping agencies would cease accepting U.S.-bound packages from China starting April 25. While the company was still dispatching its new Retroid Pocket Classic to U.S. customers, orders for specific color variations like Teal, Kiwi, and Berry are now delayed until after April 28. With no clear strategy announced for future products, the outlook for Retroid and similar companies appears grim, mirroring the challenges that Anbernic currently faces.