Nintendo's Japan eShop and My Nintendo Store have implemented a new policy, effective March 25, 2025, that prohibits the use of foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. This change, announced on January 30, 2025, aims to "prevent fraudulent use," according to Nintendo.
Nintendo's New Policy on Overseas Purchases
The updated policy means that customers outside of Japan can no longer use their existing credit cards or PayPal accounts to purchase games or other content from the Japanese eShop. Nintendo advises affected customers to transition to payment methods issued within Japan. While Nintendo hasn't detailed the specific nature of the fraudulent activity prompting this change, the policy does not affect previously purchased games.
Benefits of the Japanese eShop
The Japanese eShop offers several advantages for gamers worldwide, including access to region-exclusive titles and potentially lower prices due to favorable exchange rates. These exclusive games range from popular titles like Yo-kai Watch 1 (Switch port), Famicom Wars, and Super Robot Wars T, to classic titles and exclusive entries in franchises such as Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem. The new policy, however, removes access to these games for those unable to utilize Japanese payment methods.
Alternatives for Overseas Customers
While obtaining a Japanese credit card is challenging for non-residents, purchasing Japanese Nintendo eShop gift cards from online retailers like Amazon JP and Play-Asia provides a viable workaround. These cards allow users to add funds to their eShop accounts without needing to provide location information.
Further details regarding this policy may be revealed during Nintendo's upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, which will focus on the Nintendo Switch 2.
