"Nintendo Japan eShop Halts Foreign Payments"

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 a statement released on January 30, 2025. This new policy has significant implications for international consumers who have been using these services.

Termination Of Foreign Payments To “Prevent Fraudulent Use”

Nintendo's decision to block foreign payment methods was announced via their website and Twitter (X). The company encourages its overseas 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," Nintendo stated.

While Nintendo has not detailed what constitutes "fraudulent use," it's clear that this policy shift is a response to security concerns. Importantly, this change will not impact games already 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. Shoppers can access Japanese-exclusive Switch games like Yo-kai Watch 1's port, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and exclusive titles from the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series, along with a range of retro games from the SNES and NES. With the new policy in place, these titles will become inaccessible to customers outside Japan.

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. An alternative solution is purchasing Japanese Nintendo eShop cards from online retailers like Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow users to add funds to their eShop account without revealing their location, providing a workaround for international customers.

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 other forthcoming changes. This event could shed light on how Nintendo plans to address the needs of its global fanbase in light of these new restrictions.