US lowers tariffs, making retro gaming handhelds affordable again (for now)

Finally, some good news for retro gamers in the US.

May 12, 2025 - 10:25

US lowers tariffs, making retro gaming handhelds affordable again (for now)

Credit: Nick Fernandez / Android Authority

The US has lowered tariffs on China, with retro gaming handhelds down to 30%.
Previous rates were 145%, making virtually all handhelds unaffordable in the US.
This is a 90-day pause, meaning the tariffs may rise again soon.

It’s been a roller coaster of a year for retro gamers. Exciting new devices like the Retroid Flip 2 and Classic were announced right before a massive tariff hike made them unaffordable in the US. Thankfully, the US and China just announced a new agreement to pause the tariffs (via CNBC), bringing the rate down to 30% for Chinese-made goods, including retro gaming handhelds.

Prior to the announcement, handhelds were taxed at the maximum rate of 145% under the Trump administration’s tariffs. This was a dramatic turn after decades of tax-free imports under the de minimis exemption, which eliminated all duties on goods under $800.