Retroid Prioritizes US Orders Amid Trade Tension Uncertainties
Retroid, a prominent manufacturer of retro gaming handhelds, is reportedly prioritizing shipments to the United States for its highly anticipated Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic devices. This decision comes amidst escalating trade tensions between the US and China, threatening potential tariffs and shipment disruptions.
Pre-orders for the Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic commenced on March 18th, with initial shipment dates slated for April 13th and April 16th, respectively. However, reports from online communities such as Reddit and Discord indicate that numerous early pre-orders have experienced delays. Notably, orders placed from the US in recent weeks appear to be receiving preferential treatment, jumping ahead in the queue.
This apparent prioritization extends to standard orders as well. Instances have surfaced where customers in the US have had their orders shipped within hours of placement, further fueling speculation about Retroid's strategy to circumvent impending trade restrictions. A user interacting with Retroid’s customer service was assured of shipment within three days to prevent order cancellation, highlighting the company's urgency.
When contacted for clarification, Retroid stated that shipments were being prioritized based on order dates and that they aim to dispatch all orders this week. However, anecdotal evidence suggests a more nuanced approach, with colorway availability and destination country influencing the order fulfillment process, ultimately favoring US-bound shipments.
The urgency stems from impending restrictions on shipments from China to the US, initially triggered by the potential expiration of the de minimis exemption for small shipments. Subsequent escalation, including tripled tariff rates, has prompted shipping companies to halt shipments altogether, according to Retroid. This context explains Retroid's push to expedite US orders before the looming deadline.
Notably, Retroid has alerted US customers about potential delays for the Teal, Berry, and Kiwi colorways, advising those who ordered these models to select alternative options. Failure to ship US orders within the rapidly approaching timeframe may lead to cancellations, adding further uncertainty for American consumers.
While customers outside the US may experience slightly longer wait times, they are spared the added concern of potential customs fees and shipment disruptions plaguing US orders. The situation underscores the complex interplay between international trade policies and consumer electronics distribution.
Source: AndroidAuthority