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Nintendo Japan to Block Foreign Credit Cards and PayPal on eShop
Nintendo recently announced a policy change which will prevent users from using foreign cards and PayPal accounts to buy digital goods from the Japanese eShop and My Nintendo Store. These restrictions will take effect on March 25.
The measures aim to reduce fraudulent transactions and limit international users' ability to access Japan's regional market, consisting of special discounts. Over the last couple of years, gamers have become more aware of regional pricing differences, with many deciding to create accounts in regions with cheaper game prices.
There are other regions around the world that have similar problems, like Türkiye. A considerable number of gamers created Türkiye-based PlayStation accounts to take advantage of regional pricing, and Sony also limited users' ability to use foreign cards on the platform long before Nintendo.
Once the payment restrictions take effect, only Japanese-issued credit cards and other local payment methods will be accepted. This means that users outside Japan without access to local banking solutions will either need to create accounts in other regions or find alternative solutions like purchasing balance cards for the Japanese region.
Though Nintendo hasn't detailed the alleged fraudulent activities that it wishes to prevent with this move, it has been looking to tighten regional access to its digital storefronts before the release of the next-gen Nintendo Switch.
Considering Japan also has one of the most active second-hand gaming markets in the world, this change can incentivize players visiting the country to pick up physical copies. Gaming companies of Nintendo's caliber hardly ever go back on such a decision, with Sony being the example, so fans can also take advantage of the time period until March 25 for a final chance at acquiring some of the games on their wishlist from the Japanese eShop.
In addition to the pricing differences and discounts, there's another vital factor that players will miss, and that's regional games. There are lots of unique games that are only designed for the Japanese gaming market. Fans of such releases will need to rely on top-up cards, which are often sold at a premium compared to the balance they offer. Make sure to acquire these cards from official retailers to avoid potential scams.