Nintendo Japan eShop Now Rejects Foreign Credit Cards And PayPal Accounts

Nintendo has introduced a significant policy change for its eShop and My Nintendo Store in Japan, no longer accepting payments from foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. This update, effective from March 25, 2025, aims to curb "fraudulent use," as announced by Nintendo on their website and Twitter (X) on January 30, 2025. This shift in policy will impact how overseas consumers can purchase from the Japanese market.

Termination Of Foreign Payments To “Prevent Fraudulent Use”

In an effort to "prevent fraudulent use," Nintendo has decided to restrict payments on its Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store to only those methods issued within Japan. The company encourages its international customers to secure Japan-issued credit cards or utilize other local payment methods to continue shopping on the Japanese platform. "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.

While Nintendo has not clarified the specifics of what constitutes "fraudulent use," the policy change does not affect games previously purchased through the Japanese eShop. This means that fans can still enjoy their existing digital and physical game collections.

Perks When Buying From Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store Japan

The allure of the Japanese eShop lies in its exclusive offerings, including titles like Yo-kai Watch 1's port for the Nintendo Switch, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and various Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem games that are not available in other regions. Additionally, the Japanese eShop often provides these games at more competitive prices, thanks to favorable exchange rates. However, with the new policy in place, accessing these unique and cost-effective offerings will become challenging for overseas customers.

Alternative Payment Methods For Overseas Customers

For those looking to continue purchasing from the Japanese eShop, Nintendo suggests obtaining a Japanese-issued credit card, though this can be a complex process for non-residents due to the requirement of 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 gears up for its Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focused on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, fans are eager to learn more about this policy and potential future adjustments. This event could provide further insight into Nintendo's strategy and how it plans to cater to its global audience moving forward.