Disclaimer: This information is based on my personal experience, and I’m not responsible for how you use it.
In a move that was expected but came later than its competitors, Nintendo has officially announced that starting March 25, it will no longer be possible to purchase from the Japanese eShop using non-Japanese credit cards or PayPal accounts opened outside Japan:
“In order to prevent fraudulent use, the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store for Japan will stop accepting credit cards issued overseas and PayPal accounts opened overseas from Tuesday, March 25, 2025. “For customers who have previously used overseas issued credit cards or PayPal accounts opened overseas, we ask that you please use other payment methods, such as credit cards issued in Japan, from now on. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”
Sony and Microsoft have had similar restrictions for a long time, even on the U.S. store for those living outside the country. (Though one could argue whether this is truly fraud or just a violation of the terms of use.)
Until now, Nintendo allowed users to simply change their account region to Japan and purchase first party Nintendo games at a lower price—without even needing to create a new account. The only limitation was that gold coins earned in one region couldn’t be used in another, but you could always switch back to redeem them.
Typically, Nintendo games were about a third cheaper in Japan compared to the U.S. (For example, Mario Kart 8 costs around $40 there.) Since non Nintendo games weren’t significantly cheaper, exchange rates likely weren’t the only factor behind this price gap.
How Can You Still Buy from the Japanese eShop?
The simplest way to continue purchasing games from the Japanese eShop is by using Japanese prepaid cards, which load yen into your wallet. You’ll need to find reliable stores that sell these codes.
I’ve had a good experience with OffGamers, which sells prepaid cards. Just keep in mind that you might end up with leftover balance since game prices don’t always match the exact card values.
If you want to save even more, you can buy a voucher from from the eshop itself rather than a single game, which lets you get two games at an even better price (You can do it in most regions).
You could also try creating a Japanese PayPal account, though I personally wasn’t successful with this for my Sony PSN account (I didn’t try using a VPN, though).
If you’re in the U.S., some retailers still sell digital game codes at a discount. For example, Target and Walmart, though they don’t always accept payments from outside the U.S (Some people have told me that Target does accept international credit cards.)
Unfortunately, in Europe and other regions, Nintendo has restricted third party stores from selling digital codes, making it harder to find discounts.
For tracking deals or getting alerts on specific games, check out DekuDeals, unlike eshop-prices, it also lists prices from other retailers.
Physical Copies – The Classic Alternative
Lastly, a favorite option for many is buying physical copies on the open market—whether from Amazon, which ships to many countries, or second hand from friends or Facebook groups.
As the blogger behind Video Games Complete Nitpicker, I embrace the art of dissecting video games with a critical eye and a touch of humor. From scrutinizing gameplay mechanics to uncovering narrative inconsistencies, I dive deep into the details that shape a gaming experience. My goal is to spark conversations among fellow gamers, celebrating the brilliance of the industry while holding it accountable where it falls short. With a passion for storytelling and design, I explore the elements that make games immersive, frustrating, or unforgettable. Whether it's indie gems or blockbuster titles, no game escapes my nitpicky lens. Video Games Complete Nitpicker it's all about loving games enough to question every pixel."
