Nintendo has updated its payment policies on the Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store, no longer accepting foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. This significant change, effective from March 25, 2025, aims to "prevent fraudulent use," as stated in Nintendo's announcement on January 30, 2025. This policy shift will impact how overseas customers can purchase games and other products from these platforms.
Termination Of Foreign Payments To “Prevent Fraudulent Use”
Nintendo's decision to reject payments from credit cards and PayPal accounts issued outside Japan is a strategic move to safeguard against fraudulent transactions. The company has encouraged its international customers to switch to Japan-issued credit cards or alternative local payment methods to continue their shopping experience 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 the specifics of what constitutes "fraudulent use" remain unclear, Nintendo has assured that this policy change will not impact games previously purchased through the Japanese eShop. Players can continue enjoying their existing library of games without any disruption.
Perks When Buying From Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store Japan
The Japanese eShop is renowned for offering exclusive Switch games unavailable in other regions, such as Yo-kai Watch 1 for the Nintendo Switch, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and various exclusive titles from the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series, along with retro games from the SNES and NES. Additionally, the eShop often features games at discounted prices due to favorable exchange rates, making it an attractive option for overseas gamers looking for deals.
With the new policy, access to these unique titles and savings will become challenging for customers outside Japan.
Alternative Payment Methods For Overseas Customers
For those affected by this policy change, Nintendo suggests obtaining a Japanese-issued credit card, though this can be a hurdle for non-residents due to the requirement of a residence card. A more accessible option for overseas customers is purchasing Japanese Nintendo eShop cards from reputable online retailers such as Amazon JP and PlayAsia. By redeeming these cards, customers can add funds to their eShop account without revealing their location.
Looking ahead, Nintendo is set to host a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focusing on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This event may provide further insights into the new payment policy and other anticipated updates from the company.
