Why I chose to buy my Flipper Zero Video Game Module from the US instead of waiting for German restocks
Why everyone wants the Video Game Module in 2026
I have been a fan of the Flipper Zero for a long time, but the release of the official Video Game Module really changed how I use the device. This isn't just a simple add-on; it is powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. For me, the draw was the ability to output video to a large screen via built-in HDMI and the integrated motion sensor. I wanted to start developing my own games and using the Flipper as a controller, but finding one locally has been a nightmare lately.
As I keep an eye on us trends, I noticed that the hobbyist community in North America seems to have a much steadier supply of these modules compared to what we are seeing in Berlin or Munich. The module allows for open-source development that goes way beyond just gaming, and that versatility is exactly why it is a rising star in the tech scene this year.
The stock problem in Germany
I spent weeks refreshing the pages of European distributors. Every time a small batch arrived in Germany, it was gone in seconds. It feels like the demand for Raspberry Pi-based hardware is still outstripping the local supply here in 2026. I realized that if I wanted to get my hands on the hardware before the summer, I had to look elsewhere. Waiting for a local restock was becoming a game of chance that I was tired of losing.
How I found stock in the US
I started looking at US-based retailers like Micro Center. I noticed they frequently had the Video Game Module in stock even when the official Flipper store was sold out. The price was reasonable, but the challenge was getting it from a US shelf to my front door. I knew I needed a reliable freight forwarder to bridge the gap. That is when I decided to use comGateway to provide me with a tax-free us address in Oregon, which saved me from paying US sales tax on top of the shipping costs.
Using BuyForMe to bypass retail blocks
One thing I learned the hard way is that many US retailers have strict security protocols. I tried to use my German credit card at a few electronics stores, but the transactions kept failing. It turns out that stores like Apple, Nike, and even some specialized tech retailers often block international credit cards or refuse to ship to addresses they flag as forwarders. This is a huge hurdle when you are trying to buy high-demand gear.
My solution was the BuyForMe service. This is essentially an assisted purchase where comGateway buys the item on my behalf using a US domestic card. I just sent them the link to the Video Game Module, paid them, and they handled the checkout process. This is the safest way I found to ensure my order didn't get cancelled at the last minute. If you are struggling with proxy shopping because a store won't accept your payment, this service is a lifesaver.
My experience with shipping to Germany
Once the module arrived at my Oregon warehouse, I had to decide on the best way to ship to Germany. I was worried about the cost, so I used the shipping calculator to get an estimate before the package even arrived. It helped me decide whether to ship it immediately or wait and combine it with a few other things I wanted from the US.
I also made sure to check the list of prohibited items. Since the Video Game Module contains a Raspberry Pi chip and no internal battery of its own, it didn't fall under any restricted goods or shipping rules that usually cause delays for electronics. The process for Germany delivery was surprisingly smooth once the paperwork was handled by the experts.
Customs and importing tips for my fellow Germans
When you buy from US ship to Germany, you have to remember the import VAT. In my experience, it is better to be prepared for the 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer. Because I used a professional forwarding service, the customs declaration was clear, which meant my package didn't get stuck in a warehouse at the Frankfurt airport for weeks. If you want to get your popular products quickly, being honest on the customs form is the only way to go.
I found that the total cost, even with shipping and import fees, was worth it just to have the module in my hands now rather than six months from now. If you are a hobbyist in Germany looking for that specific Flipper Zero expansion, looking across the Atlantic is a logical move that actually works.
-
March 21, 2026
Acquiring the Flipper Zero Video Game Module from US retailers before Australian supplies vanish
Australian hobbyists face critical shortages of the Raspberry Pi Flipper Zero Video Game Module as global demand spikes in 2026.Continue Reading
-
March 21, 2026
Save $85 on the Flipper Zero Video Game Module by using this low-effort US shopping trick
Curious why the Flipper Zero Video Game Module is vanishing from shelves? Discover how to save $85 and skip the hassle by sourcing directly from the US.Continue Reading
-
March 21, 2026
Malaysian hobbyists are struggling to import the Flipper Zero Video Game Module from the US
Malaysian tech enthusiasts face order cancellations and stock shortages when trying to buy the Flipper Zero Video Game Module in 2026.Continue Reading
-
March 21, 2026
Does the Flipper Zero Video Game Module justify the import cost vs local HK alternatives in 2026?
The Flipper Zero Video Game Module is sparking curiosity globally, but is it actually a necessary addition for your hardware kit in Hong Kong?Continue Reading
-
March 21, 2026
Save 420 Yuan on the Flipper Zero Video Game Module by being professionally lazy
Getting the latest tech from the US to China doesn't have to be a chore. Learn how to skip the stock shortages and save money with this easy method.Continue Reading