A retro hardware maker willing to pay Trump’s tariffs is suspending US shipments anyway

The Verge - Apr 17th, 2025

RetroTINK, known for its hardware that allows retro consoles to be used with modern screens, has announced a temporary halt to US shipments due to uncertainties surrounding the collection of newly imposed tariffs. Despite intentions to pre-pay these tariffs on behalf of customers, the lack of governmental guidance on the procedure has led to fears of delays and lost packages. This suspension will start after April 28th for expedited orders and April 23rd for non-expedited orders, as the company awaits clearer instructions to resume operations.

The suspension follows President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs, which include a 145 percent tariff on goods imported from China. While some countries saw reductions to a 10 percent tariff, the high rate remains for Chinese goods, affecting companies like RetroTINK. This situation underscores the broader impact on small businesses within the gaming industry, as evidenced by Fangamer's delay in preorders for a collector's edition due to similar tariff-related pricing uncertainties. The situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by small businesses navigating international trade regulations.

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a mostly accurate and timely account of RetroTINK's decision to suspend US shipments due to tariff-related uncertainties. It effectively communicates the challenges faced by the company, though it could benefit from more balanced coverage by including perspectives from additional stakeholders and government sources. The article is well-structured and clear, making it accessible to readers, but its focus on a niche industry may limit its broader public interest and impact. Overall, the article serves as a useful piece for those interested in retro gaming and trade issues, though it could be strengthened with additional context and verification of certain claims.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports RetroTINK's decision to suspend US shipments due to tariff-related uncertainties. This is supported by multiple sources, including statements from RetroTINK's Mike Chi. However, the mention of a 145% tariff on Chinese goods requires further verification as it seems inconsistent with typical tariff rates. The article also correctly notes the company's willingness to pre-pay tariffs, though details on official guidance from customs are lacking. Overall, the article is mostly accurate but includes some details that need confirmation.

Balance

The article primarily presents RetroTINK's perspective, focusing on the challenges faced by the company due to tariff uncertainties. While it mentions another company, Fangamer, facing similar issues, it does not delve into broader industry impacts or provide government perspectives on the tariffs. This creates a somewhat one-sided view, lacking a comprehensive exploration of how various stakeholders are affected by the tariffs.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to understand the main points. It effectively communicates RetroTINK's challenges and decisions, although some technical aspects related to tariffs could be explained in simpler terms for better comprehension. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and logical flow, aiding reader understanding.

Source quality

The article uses credible sources, including direct statements from RetroTINK's Mike Chi and references to a reputable outlet, Time Extension. However, it could benefit from additional authoritative sources, such as official government statements or expert analysis on the tariffs. This would enhance the article's reliability by providing a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article provides clear information about RetroTINK's decision and the reasons behind it. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to verify the claims about tariffs and the specific procedures RetroTINK aims to follow for pre-paying tariffs. Greater disclosure of these aspects would improve the article's transparency and help readers understand the basis for the claims made.