Leading third-party gaming accessory maker 8BitDo has announced a temporary pause in shipments from its China-based warehouses to the United States. The move comes in direct response to the Trump administration’s sweeping 145% import tariff on Chinese goods, which is significantly impacting companies that manufacture their products in China.
Why 8BitDo Is Halting Shipments
8BitDo’s decision is tied to the ongoing US-China trade tensions. Under the Trump-era tariff policies still in effect, imported Chinese goods—including consumer electronics—face steep import taxes. In an official statement, 8BitDo cited the 145% tariff as the reason for halting orders shipping from China to the US.
While shipments from China have paused, 8BitDo reassured customers that products already warehoused in the US are still available for purchase. This includes controllers for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and other compatible platforms.
What This Means for Customers
US-based gamers can still order 8BitDo products via the company’s official website, but only if the items are in stock at the company’s US fulfillment centers. Attempting to order a product not available domestically will result in a failed checkout. Fortunately, many 8BitDo controllers are still accessible through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
Impacted Products
The affected products include the popular 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller with TMR stick sensors, as well as other models shipping exclusively from China. These controllers are known for their quality features like drift-resistant Hall Effect analog sticks, programmable buttons, and wireless capabilities.
Wider Impact Across the Gaming Industry
8BitDo is not alone in feeling the effects of the ongoing tariff war. Earlier in April, Square Enix also paused pre-orders for certain merchandise bound for the US and Canada, again due to tariff concerns. Meanwhile, Microsoft recently raised the prices of Xbox Series X/S consoles and accessories in response to the same policy. The Xbox Series X now retails at $600—up $100 from its previous price.
Recommended Alternatives
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller – Budget-friendly and packed with features like 6-axis motion control and turbo mode. $30 at Amazon.
- 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock – High-end wireless controller with 22-hour battery life and back paddle buttons. $48 at Amazon.
- 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox – Designed for pro-level customization. $45 at Amazon.
What’s Next?
As of now, no timeline has been provided for when 8BitDo will resume direct shipments from China to the US. Until then, customers are advised to check third-party retailers and monitor the official 8BitDo website for updates. The ongoing trade policies continue to reshape how international gaming hardware reaches American consumers.
Stay tuned for more updates on how global trade is affecting the gaming world.
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