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 credit cards or other local payment methods to continue shopping on 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," 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 has been a go-to for gamers looking to access exclusive Switch titles not available in other regions, such as Yo-kai Watch 1's port for the Nintendo Switch, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and various exclusive Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem games, along with retro titles from the SNES and NES. Additionally, the eShop often offers games at discounted prices, benefiting from favorable exchange rates. With the new policy in place, international customers will lose access to these unique offerings.
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 challenging for non-residents due to the need for 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.
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.
