How to Buy Games on the Japanese eShop with American Money
Shopping for games on the Japanese eShop can be an exciting experience, especially for fans of unique and exclusive titles. However, if you’re based in the United States, you might be wondering how to make purchases using American money. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a detailed guide on how to buy games on the Japanese eShop with American money.
Understanding the Japanese eShop
The Japanese eShop is a digital distribution platform for the Nintendo Switch, 3DS, and other Nintendo consoles. It offers a vast selection of games, including many exclusive titles that you won’t find on other regions’ eShops. To access the Japanese eShop, you’ll need a Nintendo account and a Japanese region set on your console.
Setting Up Your Nintendo Account
Before you can start buying games, you’ll need to set up a Nintendo account. If you already have one, make sure it’s linked to your console. If not, follow these steps:
- Go to the Nintendo website and create a new account.
- Fill in the required information, including your email address and password.
- Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
- Link your account to your console by visiting the “My Nintendo” section on the website and following the instructions.
Changing Your Console’s Region
Your console must be set to the Japanese region to access the Japanese eShop. Here’s how to change your region:
- Go to the “System Settings” on your console.
- Select “Region” and change it to “Japan” or “Asia.”
- Save your settings and restart your console.
Creating a Japanese eShop Account
Now that your console is set to the Japanese region, you can create a Japanese eShop account. Follow these steps:
- Open the Japanese eShop on your console.
- Select “Create Account” and choose “Nintendo Account.” Enter your Nintendo account credentials.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account creation process.
Adding Funds to Your Japanese eShop Account
With your Japanese eShop account created, you’ll need to add funds to make purchases. Here are the options available:
| Payment Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | Accepted directly. No additional fees. |
| PayPal | Accepted directly. May incur additional fees. |
| Prepaid Cards | Available in various denominations. Can be purchased online or at retail stores. |
| Gift Cards | Available in various denominations. Can be purchased online or at retail stores. |
Choose the payment method that suits you best and follow the instructions to add funds to your account.
Buying Games on the Japanese eShop
Now that you have funds in your Japanese eShop account, you can start browsing and purchasing games. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Japanese eShop on your console.
- Browse the game library or use the search function to find the game you want.
- Select the game and choose “Buy Now.” Enter your payment information if prompted.
- Confirm your purchase and wait for the game to download to your console.
Additional Tips
- Keep in mind that some games may require a Japanese console or region to play.
- Check the game’s system requirements to ensure your console can run it.
- Consider using a VPN to access the Japanese eShop if you encounter any issues with your console’s region settings.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to buy games on the Japanese eShop using American money. Happy gaming!
