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: Blocking Overseas Payments to Combat Fraud

To "prevent fraudulent use," Nintendo has announced the termination of foreign payment methods on its Japanese eShop. This policy shift, revealed on January 30, 2025, via website and Twitter (X) posts, affects all users attempting to purchase using credit cards or PayPal accounts issued outside of Japan. Nintendo recommends using Japanese-issued credit cards or alternative payment methods. While the specifics of the "fraudulent use" remain unclear, existing purchases remain unaffected.

The Allure of the Japanese eShop: Exclusive Titles and Discounts

The Japanese eShop offers several advantages for overseas gamers. It's the only place to find region-exclusive titles, including ports like Yo-kai Watch 1 for Switch, Famicom Wars, Super Robot Wars T, Mother 3, and various exclusive Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem games, alongside numerous retro titles. Additionally, the exchange rate often provides cost savings compared to other regions. This new policy, however, removes access to these exclusive games for many international players.

Alternative Payment Options for International Customers

While obtaining a Japanese credit card is challenging for non-residents, alternative options exist. Purchasing Japanese eShop cards from online retailers like Amazon JP and PlayAsia allows users to top up their accounts without disclosing their location. This method bypasses the new payment restrictions.

With the upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2, further clarification on this policy and potential future changes may be revealed.