Before Singapore had its own official eShop, using another region was simply part of the experience for many of us here. But now that Singapore finally has its own Nintendo eShop, I am still using the US eshop.
Why I'm Still Using the US eShop
Singapore's Nintendo eShop officially launched in November 2025, and I while I am glad that we finally have an official local storefront, the catalogue is currently smaller than what I am used to seeing on established storefronts such as the US eShop and the sales are lacklustre.
That could probably change in the future as more games get added but for now, the Singapore eShop is still relatively young. So for me, the Singapore eShop is just another option rather than a complete replacement.
But Payment on the US eShop Has Changed
And this is where things get interesting... When I wrote my A Practical Guide to Buying Nintendo US eShop Gift Vouchers , I explained how the process worked.
Since then, Nintendo's regional payment restrictions have become a much bigger factor for users like me in Singapore. If you are outside the country of the eShop you are using, you can no longer rely on a Singapore-issued credit card or PayPal account to directly fund the US eShop in the way you could previously, and the answer is ... vouchers...
My Previous Guide is Still Useful
If you are new to US eShop vouchers, I would recommend starting with my previous guide. It explains the general process of buying and redeeming Nintendo US eShop vouchers.
This post is more of a follow-up: I'm sharing where I currently buy those vouchers and why I have ended up using Playasia.
Read: A Practical Guide to Buying Nintendo US eShop Gift Vouchers →
So, What am I Doing Now?
Instead of trying to make a Singapore payment method work on the US eShop, I have gone to using US eShop vouchers... and for now, Playasia is where I have been getting them.
Why I'm Using Playasia for US eShop Vouchers
Playasia isn't a completely new name to me. I have actually used the platform before, although my previous experience was very different. Instead of physical products, I am using Playasia primarily for digital Nintendo eShop vouchers as it is convinient.
I can choose the US eShop voucher amount I need, purchase the digital code and redeem it on my US Nintendo Account. There is no physical card to wait for and, most importantly, no international delivery involved.
What I Like About Playasia
Pros
- Digital vouchers are convenient and don't require physical shipping.
- There are vouchers for multiple Nintendo regions (i.e. US, UK, Japan etc.).
- The purchasing process is straightforward for the way I use my US account.
- It gives me another way to fund my US Nintendo Account now that direct payment is more restrictive.
- I can check the price and denomination before purchasing.
Cons
- Playasia isn't necessarily the cheapest option every time.
- Prices and promotions can change.
- You have to be careful to buy the correct regional voucher.
- Digital codes generally aren't something you can simply exchange if you purchase the wrong region.
Nintendo eShop cards are region-specific, so a US eShop voucher needs to be used with the appropriate US Nintendo Account. So always double-check the region and denomination before completing a purchase.
Looking for a US eShop Voucher?
This is the option I am currently using for my US Nintendo Account.
Check PlayasiaBut What About SEAGM?
Playasia isn't the only option, SEAGM is another service that sells digital Nintendo eShop vouchers, including US eShop cards. It also offers digital delivery and regularly runs promotions, so there are definitely times when it is worth checking before I buy.
In fact, if you are purely looking for the best price on a particular day, I would compare both rather than automatically assuming Playasia is cheaper.
But for now, though, I am using Playasia which is a personal preference.
Playasia vs SEAGM: Which One is Better?
If you are trying to decide between the two, I don't think there is a simple answer.
Both offer digital Nintendo eShop vouchers, can be convenient, and (may) run promotions from time to time.
| Feature | Playasia | SEAGM |
|---|---|---|
| US Nintendo eShop vouchers | Yes | Yes |
| Digital delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple denominations | Yes | Yes |
| Regional options | Wide selection | Wide selection |
| Promotions | N.A | Frequently available |
| Best for | My current preference | checking for a better deal |
Why I Prefer Playasia Right Now
For me, it comes down to familiarity and convenience.
I have already used Playasia before, and now that I am buying digital vouchers rather than physical games, the process is much simpler.
I also like that I can find different regional vouchers in one place, which is useful when you have more than one Nintendo Account. But I wouldn't say that makes Playasia objectively better than SEAGM.
Where SEAGM Has an Advantage
The biggest reason I would still check SEAGM is price.
SEAGM regularly runs promotions on its Nintendo eShop vouchers, and the final price can sometimes be better depending on the denomination and promotion available at the time.
So if I am about to buy a larger voucher, I don't think it makes sense to blindly assume that my preferred store is automatically the cheapest.
Why I Like Playasia
- It is currently my preferred option.
- I find it convenient for digital purchases.
- Good selection of regional vouchers.
- No physical delivery to worry about.
- Fits easily into the way I use my US Nintendo Account.
Why SEAGM Is Worth Checking
- Also offers US Nintendo eShop vouchers.
- Digital delivery.
- Regular promotions can make it cheaper.
- Wide selection of regional Nintendo vouchers.
- Good alternative if its price is better on the day.
So if someone asked me which one they should use, my answer would be: compare them.
For now, Playasia is the one I am using, but that doesn't mean I would ignore SEAGM if it had a significantly better deal.
Compare Before You Buy
I currently use Playasia, but SEAGM is another option worth checking, especially when there are promotions.
Check Playasia Check SEAGMDidn't I Have a Bad Experience With Playasia?
Yes, actually I did but that was for a physical product. If you have read my older posts, you might remember that I wrote about my experience ordering physical games from Playasia back in 2024.
You can read the full story here: My Playasia Experience.
The interesting thing is that my problem wasn't really with Playasia itself. The company handled the order flawlessly, but the courier they used was the part that caused me a lot of frustration.
In 2024, I was ordering physical games. That meant international shipping, tracking, delivery and everything else that comes with waiting for a parcel.
This time, I am buying digital eShop vouchers which is practically instant with no parcel, no courier, and no waiting for something to arrive at my door.
So while my previous experience is still part of my history with Playasia, it hasn't stopped me from using the service for digital vouchers. I might give Playasia another try for physical products in the future, but for now, I'm sticking to digital purchases.
Related Nintendo eShop Guides
New to US eShop vouchers?
Start with my
A Practical Guide to Buying Nintendo US eShop Gift Vouchers.
Interested in my previous Playasia experience?
You can also read
My Playasia Experience,
where I wrote about ordering physical games from Playasia and the
delivery problems I encountered.
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