A Practical Guide to Buying Nintendo US eShop Gift Vouchers

With Singapore now having its own official Nintendo eShop, buying games digitally has become more convenient for local players. However, if you already have a Nintendo account set to another region (like the US) and don’t want to change it, you’ll quickly realise that you can only use region‑specific eShop gift vouchers.

In my case, I’ve been using a US Nintendo account and decided not to switch the region to Singapore. This led me to research where to buy Nintendo US eShop gift cards, which platforms are trusted, and which are more cost effective.

This guide breaks everything down, including current price comparisons, why prices differ, and how to use these vouchers safely.

Why You Need eShop Gift Vouchers for a Foreign Region Account

Nintendo eShop funds are region‑locked, and if your country has an e-Shop then payment for another region/country e-shop is blocked. In this case, this means:

Credit card and Paypal payments are blocked (for the foreign region account)
A US eShop gift card only works on a US Nintendo account
A Singapore eShop gift card only works on a Singapore Nintendo account

Since I’m keeping my US account, eShop gift vouchers are the simplest (and safest) way to top up without changing regions or payment methods.

Platforms I Researched for Nintendo US eShop Gift Cards

After comparing multiple sellers, I focused on platforms that are:

Widely used by gamers
Known for digital code delivery
Available to Singapore buyers

The main platforms I looked at:

Current Price Comparison (US$35 Nintendo eShop Card)

Below is a price comparison table based on current listings for the top 2 platforms SEAGM and Playasia at the time of writing. Prices are shown in Singapore Dollars (S$).

Platform	US$35 Card Price (S$)	Delivery	Notes
SEAGM	S$41.34	Instant digital code	Usually discounted, best value
Playasia	S$46.70	Instant digital code	Stable pricing, higher markup
Dundle	~S$43–45	Instant email	Occasional promos & reward points
Gameflip	~S$40–45	Depends on seller	Marketplace – check ratings

Prices last checked on: 05 Jan 2026

Why Is SEAGM Cheaper Than Playasia?

For this example, the price difference between SEAGM (S$41.34) and Playasia (S$46.70) for the same US$35 card can feel significant, but it comes down to a few key factors:

1. Pricing Strategy

SEAGM operates on a high‑volume, competitive pricing model, often selling gift cards at thinner margins.
Playasia prioritises price stability and reliability, which usually means less aggressive discounts.

2. Currency Conversion & Fees

Prices are affected by USD–SGD exchange rates, payment processing fees, and regional pricing models.
SEAGM localises prices more aggressively for Southeast Asia, while Playasia tends to stick closer to USD‑based pricing.

3. Market Positioning

SEAGM focuses heavily on digital credits and top‑ups, making price competitiveness a priority.
Playasia is a broader gaming retailer (physical games, imports, merch), so gift cards aren’t their main loss‑leader product.

Important note: Cheaper does not mean unsafe. While SEAGM is widely used, you should always double‑check that the item is clearly labelled “Nintendo eShop US” before purchasing.

How to Use Nintendo US eShop Gift Vouchers

1. Log into your US Nintendo account on your Switch

2. Open Nintendo eShop
3. Select your profile icon → Redeem Code
4. Enter the 16‑digit eShop voucher code
6. Funds will be added instantly to your US eShop balance

Once redeemed, the balance works exactly like normal eShop credit. So in conclusion, if you’re in Singapore and:

Using a US Nintendo account
Don’t want to change regions
Want the best value for eShop credit

While SEAGM currently offers better pricing compared to Playasia for Nintendo US eShop gift vouchers, Playasia remains a very reliable option with more stable pricing and a longer track record in gaming retail. If your priority is lowest cost, SEAGM is often the best choice, but if you value retailer reputation and consistency, Playasia is worth considering despite the slightly higher price.

A Side Note: Using the Singapore eShop

Out of curiosity, I also created a separate Nintendo account for the Singapore eShop just to check:

What games are available
Which titles go on sale
Whether prices differ from the US store

While it’s nice to finally have a local eShop, one thing I currently dislike is that you can only browse and purchase games directly on the console. If you log into the Nintendo Singapore website, it doesn’t clearly show available titles or current sales. This is very different from other Nintendo regions (like the US or UK), where you can browse full catalogues and sale pages online. Hopefully, this improves over time as the Singapore eShop continues to expand.

📌 Before You Buy:

✔ Confirm the voucher is region-correct (US)
✔ Compare prices on both SEAGM and Playasia
✔ Check delivery time and how long the code is valid
✔ If unsure, lean slightly toward Playasia for peace of mind

SEAGM vs Playasia Comparison Table

Aspect	SEAGM	Playasia
Typical Price	Lower	Higher
Reliability	✔✔✔ (Strong)	✔✔✔✔ (Very Strong)
Pricing Stability	Medium	High
Seller Transparency	Self-serve platform	More established retailer
Instant Code Delivery	Yes	Yes
Best For	Value-focused buyers	Trust-first buyers