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 prevent fraudulent activity.

Nintendo's New Policy: Blocking Overseas Payments

To combat fraudulent use, Nintendo has announced that, starting March 25th, 2025, overseas credit cards and PayPal accounts will be blocked from the Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store. This decision was announced via their website and Twitter (X) on January 30, 2025. Nintendo advises users who previously relied on foreign payment methods to switch to a Japanese-issued credit card or alternative payment method. While Nintendo cites "fraudulent use" as the reason, specific details remain undisclosed. Existing purchases remain unaffected; players can continue enjoying their games.

Why Buy From the Japanese eShop?

The Japanese eShop offers several advantages for gamers worldwide: access to region-exclusive titles and, at times, more favorable pricing due to currency 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. The new policy, however, will restrict access to these exclusives for those outside Japan.

Alternatives for Overseas Buyers

While Nintendo encourages using Japanese credit cards, this is impractical for many international users. A viable alternative is purchasing Japanese Nintendo eShop cards from online retailers like Amazon JP and PlayAsia. These cards allow users to add funds to their accounts without needing a Japanese address or credit card.

The upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2nd, 2025, focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2, may offer further clarification on this policy and future changes.