Nintendo's Japan eShop and My Nintendo Store Ban Foreign Payment Methods
Effective March 25, 2025, Nintendo is prohibiting the use of foreign credit cards and PayPal accounts on its Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store. This decision, announced on January 30, 2025, via website and Twitter (X) posts, aims to curb fraudulent activity. While Nintendo cites "fraudulent use" as the reason, specifics remain undisclosed.
This new policy impacts international customers who previously relied on these payment methods to access Japanese-exclusive titles and potentially lower prices due to favorable exchange rates. Existing purchases remain unaffected.
Benefits of the Japanese eShop
The Japanese eShop offers access to region-locked games unavailable elsewhere, including titles like Yo-kai Watch 1 (Switch port), Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and various exclusive Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem entries, along with numerous retro titles. The new policy eliminates this access for many international consumers.
Alternative Purchasing Options
Nintendo recommends obtaining a Japanese credit card, a challenging prospect for non-residents. A viable alternative is purchasing Japanese eShop gift cards from online retailers such as Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow for account top-ups without requiring location verification.
Future Outlook
The upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2, may provide further clarification on this policy and potential future adjustments. The impact on international fans' access to Japanese eShop content remains a significant concern.
