Nintendo Switch 2 is out, and with it comes a question many gamers face: how to buy Mario Kart World and other games in the eShop if your bank card isn't accepted or your account is registered in another region. Here's a step-by-step guide.
What happened and why it matters
With the Switch 2 launch, Nintendo updated the eShop and its payment rules. Now, to buy digital games, you need a card issued in the same region as your account. This creates hurdles for those using foreign accounts or trying to buy games cheaper in another region. A virtual card solves the problem: you can issue a card in the required country and link it to your account.
Where to buy and how much it costs
The main platform is the official eShop on your console or the Nintendo website. Prices vary by region:
- USA — Mario Kart World costs around $59.99 (check the current price on the site).
- Europe — priced in euros, usually €59.99.
- Japan — priced in yen, approximately ¥6,578.
- Argentina, Turkey — historically lower prices, but Nintendo has tightened rules, and not all cards are accepted.
Games can also be bought at retail (Amazon, GameStop) as download codes, but you still need a foreign bank card.
Does eShop accept foreign-issued cards?
Nintendo accepts Visa and Mastercard, but with caveats:
- The card must be issued in the account's country.
- Some regions (e.g., Japan) require a locally issued card.
- 3-D Secure may be mandatory for some banks.
- AVS (address verification) applies to US cards — the address must match the account region.
A virtual card issued in the correct region solves these issues.
How to pay with a virtual card: step by step
- Determine your account region. If the account already exists, you can change the region in settings, but you'll need to zero out the balance and unlink all cards.
- Issue a virtual card in the required region. For example, for the US — a card with a US BIN. Make sure the card supports online payments and 3-D Secure.
- Link the card to your account. In the eShop, select 'Add Funds' or 'Buy' and enter the card details. Ensure the address matches the region.
- Top up the balance. We recommend keeping 10–15% more than the game price — to cover currency conversion or fees.
- Make the purchase. Confirm the payment. If 3-D Secure is required, enter the code from SMS or your bank app.
What to do if payment is declined
- Check the card and account regions. They must match.
- Ensure sufficient funds. Consider a possible $1 pre-authorization.
- Try another card. Some BINs may be blocked by Nintendo.
- Use eShop gift cards. They can be bought on Amazon or other sites and redeemed in the eShop. This is a workaround if your card isn't accepted.
- Contact Nintendo support. Sometimes the issue is on the bank's side.
Regional restrictions and delivery
Digital purchases don't require delivery, but physical game versions and accessories may not ship to some countries. If you're buying a physical copy, use a forwarding service. Make sure the store accepts foreign-issued cards and delivers to the forwarder's address.
FAQ
Can I change my account region to buy a game cheaper?
Yes, but you need to zero out the balance and unlink all cards. After changing the region, prices may change, and some games may become unavailable.
Does eShop accept cards issued in another country?
As a rule, no. The card must be issued in the same region as the account. A virtual card in the correct region solves this.
What if my card doesn't go through?
Check the region, balance, and 3-D Secure. If that doesn't help, try an eShop gift card or another virtual card.
Service names, games, and franchises are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned only to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.
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