8BitDo Is Temporarily Stopping Shipments to the US
If you're a fan of retro gaming gear, you might be disappointed to hear that 8BitDo, the popular maker of third-party game controllers, has stopped shipping directly to the US from its China warehouse. This sudden change comes in response to newly implemented tariffs from the US government.
The updated trade policy includes a massive 145% tariff on certain imports from China, alongside the removal of a long-standing rule that allowed packages under $800 to be shipped without extra taxes. As a result, not just 8BitDo but other gaming companies like Anbernic are also halting shipments to the US, sending ripples across the gaming industry.
For those unfamiliar, 8BitDo has built a solid reputation over the years with its versatile and stylish controllers. From Switch-compatible gamepads to Xbox and PlayStation accessories, and even mechanical keyboards with a nostalgic vibe, their products have found a home among gamers and tech lovers alike.
While international shipping may be paused, 8BitDo still has a U.S.-based warehouse. That means some products can still be ordered within the US, though the selection is now limited. Unfortunately, many of the most sought-after items, like the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller and N64 mod kits, are unavailable for now. There's no way to know what’s in stock at the US warehouse until you go through the checkout process.
The impact of the tariffs goes beyond just gaming. Since consoles and accessories are still considered “toys” rather than “tech” by trade officials, they fall under the taxed category. This has hit the industry hard. Board game companies, console makers, and accessory brands are all struggling. Some have even had to shut down or let go of employees due to rising costs.
Even giants like Nintendo aren’t immune. The company had to push back its pre-orders for the next-gen Nintendo Switch and raise prices on a few accessories. With the tariffs in place, many industry insiders fear that affordable gaming could become a thing of the past.
For now, fans will have to keep a close eye on what’s available locally or wait and see how companies adjust to this new economic challenge.
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