Nintendo has recently updated its payment policies for the 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," according to Nintendo's announcement on January 30, 2025. This new policy impacts how overseas customers can purchase from the Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store.
Termination Of Foreign Payments To “Prevent Fraudulent Use”
Nintendo's decision to restrict foreign payment methods stems from a desire to curb fraudulent activities, though the company has not detailed what constitutes "fraudulent use." The policy change was communicated through Nintendo's official website and Twitter (X). Foreign customers are now encouraged to use Japan-issued credit cards or other local payment methods to continue shopping on the Japanese eShop. Importantly, this policy does not affect games previously purchased, ensuring that fans can still enjoy 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 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, which can be difficult for non-residents due to the requirement of a residence card. An alternative solution 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 workaround for the new restrictions.
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 shed light on how Nintendo plans to address the needs of its global customer base in light of these new restrictions.
