Everyone loves the Nintendo Switch. In three short years, the console has risen to the top of wishlists around the world. Having already sold more 52 million units, the console has dwarfed the Xbox One’s 49 million sales as reported in 2019, despite Microsoft's three-year headstart. But even though it's the hottest console in the land, you might not be getting everything you can out of your Switch.

The console’s digital sales platform, the eShop, features different content in every country, especially in Japan. There's an exclusive demo for the upcoming Persona 5 Scramble, a Dragon Quest Heroes port, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, to name a few.

Japan is currently the only country where these titles are available on Switch. Want to get in on the action? It only takes five minutes and 10 easy steps!

Persona 5 Scramble Joker Atlus

How to access the Japanese Nintendo eShop

Head to Nintendo’s account-making website. Fill in most information as asked. When you reach the “Country” option, select Japan as your place of origin. Also, if you don’t have an email to spare, use a temporary email generator like this one. Alternatively, if you're on Gmail just add use the + symbol to create an alias of your regular email account (email+X@gmail.com). Nintendo will send a verification email to the address provided, which is required for accessing the account, so make sure you can receive that email. With your account established, head back to your Nintendo Switch. Go to your System Settings, as denoted by the cog icon on the main menu. Once there, go to the “users” tab and create a new user. I’d recommend labeling this with something to denote the country. Perhaps using your original user name with a “JP” suffix to remember it’s a Japanese account. With your new user profile created, your Switch will prompt you to link a Nintendo Online account. Say yes and enter the log-in information you created during Step 1. You’ve gotten past the big parts! Your Nintendo Switch now believes you’re a Japanese citizen, hanging out in your favorite Shinjuku cafe! Return to your main menu and select the Nintendo eShop icon that looks like an orange handbag. Once you click on it, you’ll face a few menus — just click every box and then hit the corresponding button. Your last task will be to re-enter the password and email you created in Step 1. Now you’re in the eShop! You can download any game you’d like in Japanese. On your left, there will be three sections: 'New' 'Coming Soon' and 'Redeem Code.' When you click on a game, the option to purchase or download a demo can be found on the right side of the page. The top option will be to purchase and the bottom will let you download the demo. Viola!

A gorgeous Nintendo Switch Nintendo

That was technically only 10 steps, but you might need a little time to indulge in a Mario-style fist-pump of triumph! If you do decide to plonk down some cash for region-locked games, you won't be able to use non-Japanese credit cards. Fortunately, there's a pretty easy – though not instantaneous – workaround.

How to add money to your Japanese Nintendo eShop account

Sorry Yankee, your American cash is a no-go in the Japanese eShop. You'll need to purchase a Japanese eShop card if you'd like to buy anything from the store. (We suggest buying one from PlayAsia, which has low import costs, providing a code at a pretty reasonable exchange rate.)

Once you have the code, head to the Japanese eShop's lowermost option on the right side of the store menu to redeem your newly minted currency! Perhaps you can purchase the latest Persona title?