Game Boy clone maker Anbernic suspends all shipments to US

The Verge - Apr 21st, 2025

Anbernic, a Chinese company known for making affordable retro handheld gaming devices, has indefinitely suspended shipments to the United States due to the threat of a 245 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration. The company advised customers to purchase from its US warehouse to avoid potential high customs duties. This move follows similar actions by other tech companies like RetroTINK, which also halted shipments due to uncertainties about tariff collections. Anbernic’s decision highlights the immediate impact of the proposed tariffs on consumer electronics, particularly affecting low-cost goods that have been popular among nostalgic gaming enthusiasts.

The suspension of shipments from Anbernic underscores broader economic tensions between the US and China, especially in the tech sector. These tariffs, if implemented, could disrupt the availability of budget-friendly gaming consoles and potentially inflate prices, affecting consumers seeking affordable alternatives to mainstream brands. The removal of the de minimis exemption further exacerbates the situation, as it previously allowed for the import of inexpensive goods without substantial duties. As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain how companies like Anbernic will adapt or if they will find alternative strategies to resume their US market operations.

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded examination of the impact of US tariffs on Chinese goods, specifically focusing on Anbernic's decision to suspend shipments to the US. It accurately reports the company's actions and the reasons behind them, supported by credible sources, though more explicit citations would enhance reliability. The story is timely and relevant, addressing issues of public interest related to trade policies and consumer electronics. While the article is clear and engaging, it could benefit from a broader exploration of perspectives and deeper analysis of the broader economic implications. Overall, it effectively informs readers about a specific instance of trade policy impact, but could enhance its impact by addressing the wider context and potential policy debates.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports the suspension of Anbernic's shipments from China to the US due to tariff changes, aligning with verified announcements from Anbernic. The claim that Anbernic advises customers to use its US warehouse to avoid tariffs is also accurate and supported by the company's statements. The mention of tariffs potentially reaching 245% is consistent with broader reports on US-China trade tensions. However, the story could have provided more specific details on the current tariff rates and the exact nature of the de minimis exemption removal. Overall, the factual claims in the story are well-supported and precise, but a slight deduction is warranted for not detailing some aspects comprehensively.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Anbernic's perspective and the impact of tariffs on its operations. While it mentions the broader context of US-China trade relations, it does not explore other viewpoints, such as potential benefits of tariffs or perspectives from US policymakers. The story could have been more balanced by including comments from trade experts or government officials to provide a fuller picture of the situation. Additionally, it could have addressed the consumer perspective more thoroughly, discussing how these changes might affect US buyers beyond the immediate availability of Anbernic products.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively explains the impact of tariffs on Anbernic's business and provides context about the company's operations. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the story easy to understand. However, some technical terms, such as 'de minimis exemption,' could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with trade policies. Overall, the article communicates its main points clearly, but minor improvements could enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The story appears to rely on credible sources, such as official statements from Anbernic and general knowledge about US tariff policies. However, the article does not explicitly cite these sources, which slightly detracts from its perceived reliability. Including direct quotes or links to official announcements would strengthen the source quality. The story is consistent with known facts about US-China trade relations, suggesting that the information is derived from authoritative sources, but explicit attribution would enhance credibility.

Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of Anbernic's decision to suspend shipments and the reasons behind it. However, it lacks transparency regarding the sources of its information, as it does not cite specific documents or statements. The story would benefit from disclosing its methodology, such as whether it contacted Anbernic for comments or relied on secondary sources. Additionally, the article does not discuss any potential conflicts of interest or biases, which could be important given the economic implications of the topic.