Higher Taxes on Classic Handheld Consoles Hurt the Gaming Industry
Rising Prices for Retro Gaming Handhelds in the US Due to Trump's Tariffs
Trump's new tariffs are set to significantly increase the pricing of retro gaming handhelds in the US. This is primarily because the elimination of the $800 de minimis exemption means all commercial imports, including low-cost gaming handhelds, will now face full import duties starting August 29, 2025[1].
Under the updated rules, shipments will be subject to either percentage-based tariffs or flat fees of $80 to $200 per item. For budget retro gaming handhelds such as the Retroid Pocket Classic or AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT, this can cause a steep price increase for US consumers[1].
Some companies like RetroTINK and Anbernic have paused or altered shipments to the US amid tariff uncertainties, causing supply chain disruptions. Such disruptions tend to reduce product availability and push prices higher in the US market, with possible international ripple effects if brands adjust prices globally[2].
The tariff-induced cost pressure also echoes across the broader gaming device sector. Mainstream consoles like the Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch have faced tariffs historically and may see price hikes unless manufacturing moves completely outside China (which is still limited for many components)[3].
A Retroid Pocket 5, used for emulating games from the GameCube era or beyond, could cost $418 or much more due to tariffs. An Anbernic RG35XX, a modern classic Game Boy-style emulation handheld, could jump from its $50 MSRP to over $90 or $200 due to tariffs[1].
Nintendo abandoned the 3DS eShop in 2024. However, retro handheld makers have brought back the best aspects of the Game Boy era, including an attainable price, wide game selection, and excellent controls in pint-sized packages.
Russ Crandall, of Retro Game Corps, with 645,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, expects tariffs to impact sales of entry-level handhelds the hardest. In 2014, Nintendo sold 12.2 million 3DS models[4].
Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs have laid out a new duty rate for shipments from China. On June 1, the administration plans to triple down on these policies, increasing the duty to $150 per item[1]. Games will cost $70, $80, or even $100.
Despite the rising costs, there's an entire cottage industry of people who mod and jailbreak the 3DS to run custom firmware. The hope remains in the communities keeping these tiny consoles alive.
References:
[1] The Verge
[2] Ars Technica
[3] Bloomberg
[4] Statista
- The future of the tech industry, particularly in the finance and gadgets sectors, is uncertain due to Trump's tariffs, as the new policies are expected to cause significant price increases for retro gaming handhelds.
- Gizmodo reports that, starting August 29, 2025, all commercial imports to the US, including low-cost gaming handhelds, will face full import duties, a move that could potentially disrupt supply chains and push prices higher.
- The increased costs are not limited to retro gaming handhelds but are echoing across the broader technology industry, with mainstream consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch potentially facing price hikes as well.
- Despite the rising costs and uncertainties, there's a strong community of enthusiasts who mod and jailbreak retro handhelds, keeping the spirit of classic tech entertainment alive in the future.
