Nintendo Japan eShop Halts Foreign Payments

Nintendo has recently updated its payment policies for the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store in Japan, no longer accepting foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. This change, effective from March 25, 2025, aims to "prevent fraudulent use," as announced by Nintendo on its website and Twitter (X) on January 30, 2025. This article delves into the implications of this new policy for international consumers.

Nintendo’s New Policy on Overseas Customers Purchasing on Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store Japan

Termination of Foreign Payments to “Prevent Fraudulent Use”

Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store Japan have ceased accepting payments from credit cards and PayPal accounts issued outside Japan. The company's goal is to curb fraudulent activities, though the specifics of what constitutes "fraudulent use" remain undisclosed. Nintendo encourages its international customers to switch to Japan-issued payment methods to continue shopping on its Japanese platforms. "For customers who have previously used overseas-issued credit cards or PayPal accounts opened overseas, we ask that you please use other payment methods, such as credit cards issued in Japan," stated Nintendo.

This policy change will not impact games previously purchased through the Japanese eShop, ensuring that fans can continue enjoying their existing digital and physical collections.

Perks When Buying from Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store Japan

The Japanese eShop is a treasure trove for gamers seeking exclusive titles not available in other regions. It offers access to unique Switch games like Yo-kai Watch 1's port, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and exclusive entries in the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series, along with a variety of retro titles from the SNES and NES. Additionally, the Japanese eShop often provides games at discounted prices, making it an attractive option for international buyers looking to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.

With the new policy in place, accessing these exclusive games will become more challenging for customers outside Japan.

Alternative Payment Methods for Overseas Customers

For those affected by the policy change, Nintendo suggests obtaining a Japanese-issued credit card, though this can be a cumbersome process for non-residents requiring a residence card. A more accessible alternative is purchasing Japanese Nintendo eShop cards from online retailers like Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow customers to add funds to their eShop account without revealing their location, providing a convenient workaround for international buyers.

As Nintendo prepares for its upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focused on the Nintendo Switch 2, fans are eager for more details on this policy and any further changes the company might introduce.