A major development from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is poised to impact the retro handheld gaming community in unexpected ways. As of April 5, 2025, a swath of consumer electronics has been granted tariff exemptions, rolling back the potential cost increases that had been looming over hobbyists and small importers alike. But what does this really mean for fans of retro handhelds?
Understanding the Policy Shift
Under Executive Order 14257, a wide net of tariffs had been cast in response to reciprocal trade actions. While many feared these changes would price out low-cost electronics—particularly retro gaming devices imported from China—CBP’s latest announcement provides some needed clarity and relief.
The exemptions now cover a variety of hardware components, including computers (HTSUS 8471), accessories and parts (HTSUS 8473.30), solid-state storage (HTSUS 8523.51.00), flat-panel displays (HTSUS 8528.52.00), and telecommunication devices (HTSUS 8517 series). If a retro handheld device or its components fall under one of these HTSUS classifications, they are now exempt from additional tariffs.
What This Means for Gaming in 2025
This could be a big win for both consumers and indie manufacturers. Many of the devices that populate the retro handheld scene—from Anbernic’s compact consoles to devices like the Retroid Pocket—leverage components such as ARM-based computing chips, solid-state memory, and integrated displays, all of which now benefit from the updated policy.
However, this is not a blanket exemption. Devices must be accurately classified under the specific HTSUS codes to qualify. For small brands or importers, navigating the classification system can be tricky. There’s still ambiguity about whether all retro handhelds are covered—especially those that resemble game consoles more than general-purpose computers.
A Balancing Act
This development contrasts sharply with recent efforts to curb the use of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed shipments under $800 to bypass tariffs altogether. That shift had put low-cost electronics at risk of becoming less accessible. With these new exemptions, however, it seems CBP is attempting to strike a balance between economic protectionism and consumer affordability.
The 2025 Handheld Landscape: What’s Coming Next
With a surge of new handheld gaming devices hitting the market in 2025, the recent tariff exemptions from U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrive at a critical time. Under the new guidance, devices that incorporate components like CPUs, solid-state storage, and LCD panels—if properly classified under the updated HTSUS codes—can now enter the U.S. without facing the added cost of tariffs.
This is particularly relevant for a wide range of upcoming handhelds. Leading the charge is the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release in June. It’s joined by an array of high-performance and enthusiast-focused devices, including the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, AYANEO 3, MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, Tencent’s “Sunday” handheld, and the AOKZOE A1X Power HX 370. Each of these systems relies heavily on the kinds of components now exempted, meaning their U.S. pricing could be more stable than previously expected.
While classification remains key—devices marketed strictly as “game consoles” could still face duty—the new CBP guidance provides a clearer pathway for handheld PCs and hybrid gaming devices to avoid costly markups.
Looking Ahead
For now, this is a moment of cautious optimism. If your favorite handheld brand sources its parts wisely—and classifies them correctly—these devices may remain affordable and accessible, even as trade policies continue to evolve. Are you relieved by the exemptions or still wary of future changes? Will this impact your plans to buy or import a handheld in 2025? Let us know in the comments below.
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