Nintendo Japan eShop Halts Foreign Payment Methods

Nintendo has introduced a significant change to its payment policies for the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store in Japan, no longer accepting foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. This new policy, aimed at preventing fraudulent use, will take effect on March 25, 2025. Here's a detailed look at what this means for international consumers and how they can adapt to these changes.

Termination Of Foreign Payments To “Prevent Fraudulent Use”

Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store Japan have ceased accepting credit cards and PayPal accounts issued outside of Japan. This decision was announced on January 30, 2025, via Nintendo's official website and Twitter (X). The company's goal is to curb fraudulent activities, though specific details about what constitutes "fraudulent use" have not been disclosed.

Nintendo encourages its international customers to switch to Japan-issued credit cards or other local payment methods to continue using the Japanese eShop. "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," the company stated.

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 has been a go-to for many overseas Nintendo fans due to its exclusive offerings and often more favorable pricing. Games like Yo-kai Watch 1's port for the Nintendo Switch, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and exclusive titles from the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series, along with various retro titles from the SNES and NES, are only available through the Japanese eShop. With the new policy in place, accessing these titles will become more challenging for international customers.

Alternative Payment Methods For Overseas Customers

Despite the restrictions, there are still ways for international customers to purchase from the Nintendo Japanese eShop. The most straightforward method suggested by Nintendo is to obtain a Japanese-issued credit card, though this can be difficult for non-residents due to the requirement of a residence card.

An alternative solution is to purchase Japanese Nintendo eShop cards from online retailers such as Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow customers to add funds to their eShop account without revealing their location, providing a convenient workaround for the new policy.

As Nintendo prepares for its upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focused on the Nintendo Switch 2, fans are eager to learn more about this policy and any additional changes the company might announce.