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Nintendo's Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store no longer process payments from internationally issued credit cards or PayPal accounts. This article explains the new purchasing policy and its implications for global customers.
Nintendo’s Revised Policy For International Customers on Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store
Foreign Payment Methods Disabled to Counter Fraudulent Activities
Effective March 25, 2025, Nintendo's Japanese digital stores will block overseas-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts as a fraud prevention measure. The announcement was published on Nintendo's official website and Twitter/X account on January 30, 2025.
International users are now required to use Japanese payment options to continue making purchases. Nintendo explicitly stated, "Customers who previously used foreign credit cards or PayPal accounts should transition to domestic payment alternatives such as Japan-issued credit cards."
The company hasn't detailed specific fraud patterns that prompted this decision. Existing purchases remain unaffected - players can continue accessing previously bought physical and digital games from Japanese stores.
Benefits of Shopping Through Nintendo's Japanese eShop
The Japanese eShop provides exclusive access to region-locked Switch titles unavailable elsewhere. International consumers also favor the platform for competitive pricing, often benefiting from favorable currency exchange rates.
Notable exclusives include Yo-kai Watch 1 Switch port, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, along with special editions of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem franchises, plus classic SNES and NES titles. These games become inaccessible to overseas buyers under the new restrictions.
Payment Alternatives For International Shoppers
Overseas customers can still purchase through the Japanese eShop using alternative methods. While Nintendo recommends obtaining Japan-issued credit cards, this requires residency documentation that non-residents typically lack.
Currently, the most viable option involves purchasing Japanese eShop gift cards from retailers like Amazon Japan and PlayAsia. These prepaid codes allow users to top up their eShop balance without geographic verification.
With Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, 2025 to showcase the Switch 2 launch, the company might address this policy shift and outline future marketplace adjustments during the presentation.
