Popular third-party gaming peripheral maker 8BitDo has temporarily paused shipments to the United States, citing the Trump administration’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports as the driving reason. The move directly affects shipments of its highly regarded controllers for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and other platforms.
Why 8BitDo Halted Shipments
The dramatic tariff increase has significantly raised the cost of importing goods from China into the U.S., prompting 8BitDo to hold off on fulfilling new orders from its China-based warehouse. While the company has not disclosed how long this pause will last, it has clarified that orders destined for U.S. addresses will not be processed if inventory must be shipped from China.
What’s Still Available for US Gamers?
Fortunately, inventory already stocked in 8BitDo’s US-based warehouses remains available. That means American customers can still order select models — including popular units like the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller with Hall Effect sensors (TMR) — while supplies last. However, once this limited stock runs out, replenishments will likely be delayed until the shipping pause is resolved.
How Tariffs Are Reshaping the Gaming Market
8BitDo’s decision follows broader repercussions of the U.S. government’s tariff policies. Microsoft recently announced price hikes on its Xbox Series X/S consoles and accessories, with the Series X jumping to $600 and the Series S to $380. The tariffs have led to increased costs across hardware, prompting companies to either raise prices or limit availability in the U.S. market.
While Vietnam and Cambodia also face tariff-related challenges, they are currently subject to a temporary 10% blanket tariff, making the situation particularly acute for companies manufacturing primarily in China.
What You Can Do as a Consumer
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Check Availability: Look for listings fulfilled from within the U.S. — especially through Amazon or other major retailers.
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Sign Up for Alerts: Follow 8BitDo on social media or subscribe to email updates for shipping news.
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Support Domestic Retailers: Buying from U.S.-based sellers helps access current stock before it runs out.
Looking Ahead
8BitDo has not given a clear timeline for when shipments might resume, but the company is expected to monitor the trade situation closely. For now, US gamers may experience longer wait times or higher costs as the industry adapts to the new tariff landscape.