Nintendo Introduces Significant Update to Switch Eshop

Nintendo is shaking things up in a big way for the Japanese version of the Switch eShop by halting foreign payments. This means players outside of Japan won’t be able to make purchases using overseas credit cards or PayPal accounts anymore. Nintendo says the move is to prevent “fraudulent use,” leaving fans who had previously been taking advantage of this loophole a bit frustrated.

This update follows hot on the heels of the buzz surrounding the reveal trailer for the anticipated Switch 2, which even hinted at what could be the next Mario Kart installment. Talk about an exciting time for Nintendo followers.

For years, creating a Japanese Nintendo account was a piece of cake. All you had to do was register on a computer, claim Japan as your home region, and bam, you were connected to the Japanese eShop. This setup was especially appealing because the Japanese store is packed with exclusive games that never make it to international shores. However, this new payment restriction puts a damper on the whole process.

The change doesn’t affect previously bought games, so if you’ve already snagged some Japanese exclusives, you’re in the clear. But the road ahead has just become a bit rocky for those wishing to access future titles that remain Japan-only. Fascinatingly, a wealth of unique games populates the Japanese eShop, such as a remaster of the original Yo-Kai Watch and a Dragon Quest Heroes compilation. Not to mention, their Nintendo Switch Online offers rare retro games like Mother 3 and the original Fire Emblem series on NES and SNES, adding to the appeal. Despite these enticing offerings, the payment policy change will only be seen in the Japanese store, leaving others unaffected.

This policy shift appears strategically timed as Nintendo ramps up excitement for their newest console. The Switch 2 was officially introduced with a revamped design and fresh JoyCons, generating tremendous enthusiasm. Tantalizingly, the trailer featured a glimpse of what looks like gameplay from a potential Mario Kart 9. So, while the eShop may become a bit less accessible to foreign fans, Nintendo keeps the momentum going strong with their next big console launch.