Nintendo Japan Bans Overseas eShop Payments

Nintendo's Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store have stopped accepting payments from foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts. Discover the details of Nintendo's updated policy and how it impacts international shoppers.

Nintendo Restricts International Purchases on Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store

Foreign Payment Methods Disabled to Combat Fraud

To prevent fraudulent transactions, Nintendo Japan no longer processes payments through overseas credit cards or PayPal accounts. The company announced this change via its website and Twitter (X) on January 30, 2025, with the policy taking effect March 25, 2025.

International customers are now required to use Japanese payment methods for purchases. Nintendo clarified: "We recommend switching to Japan-issued credit cards for continued access to our Japanese eShop." Existing digital purchases remain unaffected.

While Nintendo hasn't elaborated on specific fraud concerns, the move primarily affects future transactions. Players retain access to previously bought games through the Japanese storefront.

Advantages of Shopping Through Nintendo Japan

The Japanese eShop offers regional exclusives unavailable elsewhere, along with pricing advantages due to favorable exchange rates. Popular Japan-only titles include Yo-kai Watch Switch Edition, Famicom Wars, Mother 3, and exclusive Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem releases.

With the new restrictions, international players must find alternative methods to purchase these region-locked Switch games typically unavailable through other regional storefronts.

Workarounds for International Shoppers

International customers can still access the Japanese eShop through alternative means. While obtaining a Japanese credit card proves challenging without local residency, prepaid Japanese eShop cards remain viable.

Online retailers like Amazon Japan and PlayAsia sell digital eShop cards redeemable regardless of location. Nintendo's upcoming April 2025 Direct may provide further clarification regarding these policy changes alongside expected Switch 2 announcements.