Nintendo Allows NFC Payments on Wii U in Japan

Leading Japanese video game manufacturer, Nintendo, announced that gamers will be able to buy the latest video games on Nintendo’s eShop by tapping their contactless debit and credit payment cards against their Wii U controllers.

According to Nintendo, gamers will be able to take advantage of the console’s built-in NFC capabilities to let customers make payments with various debit, credit and prepaid contactless cards, including popular consumer choices like Suica, Pasmo Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Icoca.
In addition to simply paying for video games, a deal with the East Japan Railway Company, means that users of its ‘Suica’ smartcard will be able to take advantage of a loyalty scheme, getting one Suica point for every 200 yen they spend at the eShop. Given Nintendo’s popularity in Japan, the program could be extended beyond the partnership with the East Japan Railway Company to ensure greater use of NFC payments.

While Nintendo has not commented on whether this NFC payment functionality will be expanded to other markets around the world, it highlights that the company could become an influencer in the growth of contactless payments around the world.

Overview by Tristan Hugo-Webb, Associate Director, International Advisory Services

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