Nintendo Japan eShop Halts Foreign Payment Methods

Nintendo Japan eShop Now Rejects Foreign Credit Cards And PayPal Accounts

Nintendo has updated its payment policy, and as of March 25, 2025, the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store in Japan will no longer accept payments using foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. This change aims to "prevent fraudulent use," but the specifics of what constitutes this fraudulent activity remain undisclosed by Nintendo.

In a statement released on January 30, 2025, and shared across their website and social media platforms, Nintendo advised its international customers to switch to payment methods issued in Japan to continue accessing 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 shift will not impact games previously purchased through the Japanese eShop, ensuring that fans can continue to enjoy their existing digital and physical game collections without interruption.

Perks When Buying From Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store Japan

The Japanese eShop has been a go-to destination for gamers looking to access exclusive Switch titles not available in other regions. These include gems like the Nintendo Switch port of Yo-kai Watch 1, 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 eras. Additionally, the Japanese eShop often offers games at discounted prices, making it an attractive option for savvy shoppers, especially when the exchange rate favors purchases in yen.

With the new policy in place, international customers will lose access to these unique offerings, which could significantly impact their gaming experience and collection.

Alternative Payment Methods For Overseas Customers

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

A more accessible alternative is purchasing Japanese Nintendo eShop cards from online retailers such as Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow customers to add funds to their eShop account using a code, without the need to reveal their location.

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 other forthcoming changes. This event could provide further clarity and perhaps introduce new solutions for international customers affected by the payment policy update.