Nintendo Japan eShop Bans Foreign Credit Cards and PayPal
Nintendo's Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store have implemented a new policy, effective March 25, 2025, prohibiting the use of foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. This decision, announced on January 30, 2025, aims to "prevent fraudulent use," according to Nintendo.
The impact on international customers is significant. Many rely on the Japanese eShop for region-exclusive titles and often lower prices due to favorable exchange rates. Games like Yo-kai Watch 1, Famicom Wars, and various Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem titles, along with retro classics, are now inaccessible to those outside Japan using their usual payment methods.
While existing purchases remain unaffected, Nintendo advises international users to utilize Japanese credit cards or alternative methods. Obtaining a Japanese credit card presents a considerable hurdle for non-residents.
A viable alternative is purchasing Japanese eShop gift cards from online retailers like Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow users to add funds to their accounts without providing location details.
The upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2, may offer further clarification on this policy and future changes. The lack of specific details regarding the "fraudulent use" Nintendo cites leaves many unanswered questions.
