Nintendo Japan eShop Halts Foreign Payment Methods

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 significantly impacts overseas consumers who have been using these payment methods to purchase from the Japanese eShop.

Termination Of Foreign Payments To “Prevent Fraudulent Use”

Nintendo's decision to block foreign payment methods was announced via their official website and Twitter (X). The company has encouraged 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," 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 affect 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 find 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 variety of retro games from the SNES and NES. With the new policy in place, accessing these titles will become more challenging for international customers.

Alternative Payment Methods For Overseas Customers

Despite the restrictions, there are still ways for overseas customers to purchase from the Japanese eShop. Nintendo suggests obtaining a Japan-issued credit card, though this can be difficult for non-residents due to the need for a residence card. A more accessible option 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.

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 provide further clarity and perhaps introduce new solutions for international consumers looking to continue their shopping experience on the Japanese eShop.