Trump tariffs may end super-cheap retro handhelds, but they won’t eliminate their appeal

Trump tariffs threaten retro handhelds but don't diminish their charm.

: Trump's tariffs might triple the price of affordable retro handhelds, targeting devices like Anbernic and Retroid. Despite increased costs, the retro gaming spirit endures, driven by nostalgia and affordability. Changes in trade policies, especially de minimis exemptions, drastically impact these niche markets. Retro handhelds remain beloved for their nostalgic value and cost-effectiveness, balancing against high prices of mainstream consoles.

The news highlights how Trump-imposed tariffs could significantly raise the prices of retro handheld gaming devices, presenting a major concern for manufacturers and gamers alike. These tariffs, aimed at products from China, could make handhelds that once cost $50 now leap to over $200, thereby threatening the affordability that made them popular. The article particularly highlights brands like Anbernic and Retroid, known for their budget-friendly models, which might see their costs triple by June 1 due to new duty rates.

Kyle Barr notes that these devices are notable for their emulation capabilities, allowing players to revisit classic games via budget-friendly hardware. The expansion of the de minimis exemption under Barack Obama in 2015 initially supported such economic entry points for gamers, but the move by the Trump administration to abolish these exemptions would remove a crucial benefit that allowed goods with a value under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. This policy change, set to be removed, is expected to severely impact the pricing and availability of these handhelds.

Gad Allon from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania suggests that the only recourse for U.S. companies is to build strong collective strategies to leverage for exemptions similar to those enjoyed by smartphone manufacturers. Meanwhile, international manufacturers are advised to relocate manufacturing outside China if the tariffs are maintained. These tariffs are poised to impact not only small brands but potentially set a precedent affecting larger manufacturers as well.

Russ Crandall, an influential figure in the retro gaming community, highlights that while the retro handheld market boomed during the pandemic, the growing financial strain could hinder new entrants into the market. Crandall stresses that as prices rise, entry-level devices may become inaccessible for newcomers, likely impeding community growth.

Despite these challenges, the allure of retro gaming isn't solely tied to hardware but also to an enduring fondness for the past. This consumer desire for nostalgia and affordability may encourage larger companies like Nintendo to innovate, potentially creating simpler, less expensive handheld devices that still deliver a rich gaming experience. The article explores how if companies can focus on retaining the core features of cost-effectiveness and accessibility, the retro gaming spirit can endure even amid substantial policy shifts.

Sources: Gizmodo, Entertainment Software Association, Retro Game Corps

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