Nintendo's EShop in Japan No Longer Accepts International Cards

Nintendo's Japan eShop and My Nintendo Store Ban Foreign Payment Methods

Effective March 25, 2025, Nintendo is ceasing acceptance of foreign credit cards and PayPal accounts on its Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store. This policy change, announced January 30, 2025, via website and Twitter (X), aims to combat fraudulent activity. While Nintendo cites "fraudulent use" as the reason, specifics remain undisclosed.

This decision impacts international customers who previously relied on these payment methods to access Japan-exclusive titles and potentially lower prices due to favorable exchange rates. Existing purchases remain unaffected; users can continue playing their games.

Benefits of the Japanese eShop

The Japanese eShop offers exclusive titles unavailable elsewhere, including ports like Yo-kai Watch 1, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and various Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem entries, along with numerous retro classics. This new policy will restrict access to these games for international players.

Alternative Purchasing Options

Nintendo encourages the use of Japanese-issued credit cards, although this presents a significant hurdle for non-residents. A more 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 revealing their location.

Future Implications

The upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2, may provide further clarification on this policy and potential future adjustments. The impact on international fans remains a key concern.