Gaming peripheral manufacturer 8BitDo has temporarily suspended shipping products from its China-based warehouse to US customers due to recently implemented tariffs that have dramatically increased costs on Chinese imports.
The company, known for its retro-style gaming controllers and accessories, is now only fulfilling US orders from its American warehouse inventory. The move comes in response to steep 145% tariffs on Chinese imports and the elimination of exemptions for shipments valued under $800.
US customers attempting to purchase items from 8BitDo's website may encounter notices indicating certain products cannot be shipped to their location. The availability of specific items depends on whether they are stocked in the company's US warehouse, though product pages do not clearly indicate warehouse locations.
The shipping restriction impacts 8BitDo's popular product line including the Ultimate 2C wireless controller and Retro Mechanical Keyboard series. Customers must proceed to checkout with a US shipping address to determine if their desired items are available.
This development is part of a broader disruption affecting the gaming and electronics industry. Other companies like Nintendo have adjusted their strategies, with the gaming giant setting a $450 price point for its upcoming Switch 2 console while increasing peripheral costs to offset tariff impacts.
The duration of 8BitDo's shipping pause remains unclear as the tariff situation continues to evolve. US customers seeking 8BitDo products may need to rely on domestic retailers like Amazon or Best Buy that maintain local inventory.
This shipping restriction follows a similar move by Anbernic, another China-based retro gaming manufacturer, highlighting the growing challenges faced by gaming hardware companies in maintaining their US market presence under current trade policies.