Nintendo Japan eShop Now Rejects Foreign Credit Cards And PayPal Accounts

Nintendo's Japan eShop and My Nintendo Store have implemented a new policy: foreign credit cards and PayPal accounts are no longer accepted. This change, effective March 25, 2025, aims to curb fraudulent activity.

Nintendo's New Policy: A Crackdown on Overseas Payments

To combat fraudulent use, Nintendo has announced the termination of foreign payment methods on its Japanese eShop. This policy shift, revealed on January 30, 2025, via its website and Twitter (X), means customers outside Japan can no longer use their international credit cards or PayPal accounts for purchases. Nintendo encourages the use of Japanese-issued credit cards as an alternative. While the specific nature of the "fraudulent use" remains unspecified, this decision affects all foreign consumers attempting to purchase from the Japanese eShop. Existing purchases remain unaffected.

Why Buy from the Japanese eShop? The Allure of Exclusives and Discounts

The Japanese eShop offers a unique appeal to global gamers. It's a gateway to region-exclusive titles unavailable elsewhere, often at more competitive prices due to favorable exchange rates. This includes coveted games like Yo-kai Watch 1 (Switch port), Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, various Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem titles, and numerous retro classics from the SNES and NES eras. This new policy directly impacts access to these exclusive games for international players.

Alternative Purchasing Options for Overseas Customers

While inconvenient, alternatives exist for those wishing to purchase from the Japanese eShop. Nintendo recommends obtaining a Japanese credit card, though this presents a significant hurdle for non-residents. A more accessible option is purchasing Japanese eShop gift cards from online retailers such as Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow for eShop balance top-ups without requiring location disclosure.

The upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2, might offer further clarity on this new policy and potential future adjustments.