So convenience stores in Japan have had multi-function printers in for a while, so being able to send stuff to get printed out isn't anything new. "Net Print" (aka Nepuri) sends stuff to 7/11 machines which you print out by entering a code into the machine. I know some artists in Japan who add their art to Nepuri and then put the download codes on Twitter so people can print them out themselves (just drop a few coins into the printer to print, it doesn't cost anything to host and generate a code). Looks like Lawson has something similar called "Lawson Print Ondemand" and this service is just a Pokemon-branded version I think? That also explains why you need to transfer to a PC, cos it's all independent and part of Lawson rather than the game itself. This is more of a joint marketing effort rather than anything actually new.
I guess the one thing it does give is authorisation to print out content under copyright. Not sure how strict these convenience store printers are for that sort of thing.
There's a cheaper way to get Japanese eshop credit if you fulfil the requirements. You need both: 1) A credit or debit card that doesn't charge (or charge much) for foreign currency transactions 2) A 3DS with the region set to Japan (either because it's a legit Japanese 3DS or because it's been modded to)
The 3DS eshop supports payment cards internationally and doesn't do the same checks the Switch one does when adding a card. In other words, if you create a Japanese Nintendo Network ID on the 3DS, link it to a Japanese Nintendo Account and then top it up on the 3DS using your foreign credit or debit card, you can then spend it on the Switch eshop.
Now, because you'd be paying directly in Japanese yen, it's often going to be cheaper than PlayAsia generally as they inflate the prices. However, be aware of foreign transaction fees if your bank or card provider charge them, as that might reduce or cancel out any potential saving.
In the UK, there are an increasing number of bank accounts (and associated debit cards) and credit cards that don't charge for transactions made in foreign currencies except at ATMs, so that's definitely worth looking into. You can have multiple bank accounts too, so don't feel like you're tied to one over another.
Comments 3
Re: Missing Features: 2D Is A New Switch Platformer With All Of Its Features... Well, Missing
this is just DLC Quest?
Re: Lawson Will Offer New Pokémon Snap Photo Printing Services In Japan
So convenience stores in Japan have had multi-function printers in for a while, so being able to send stuff to get printed out isn't anything new. "Net Print" (aka Nepuri) sends stuff to 7/11 machines which you print out by entering a code into the machine. I know some artists in Japan who add their art to Nepuri and then put the download codes on Twitter so people can print them out themselves (just drop a few coins into the printer to print, it doesn't cost anything to host and generate a code). Looks like Lawson has something similar called "Lawson Print Ondemand" and this service is just a Pokemon-branded version I think? That also explains why you need to transfer to a PC, cos it's all independent and part of Lawson rather than the game itself. This is more of a joint marketing effort rather than anything actually new.
I guess the one thing it does give is authorisation to print out content under copyright. Not sure how strict these convenience store printers are for that sort of thing.
Re: Guide: Where To Buy Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop Credit
There's a cheaper way to get Japanese eshop credit if you fulfil the requirements. You need both:
1) A credit or debit card that doesn't charge (or charge much) for foreign currency transactions
2) A 3DS with the region set to Japan (either because it's a legit Japanese 3DS or because it's been modded to)
The 3DS eshop supports payment cards internationally and doesn't do the same checks the Switch one does when adding a card. In other words, if you create a Japanese Nintendo Network ID on the 3DS, link it to a Japanese Nintendo Account and then top it up on the 3DS using your foreign credit or debit card, you can then spend it on the Switch eshop.
Now, because you'd be paying directly in Japanese yen, it's often going to be cheaper than PlayAsia generally as they inflate the prices. However, be aware of foreign transaction fees if your bank or card provider charge them, as that might reduce or cancel out any potential saving.
In the UK, there are an increasing number of bank accounts (and associated debit cards) and credit cards that don't charge for transactions made in foreign currencies except at ATMs, so that's definitely worth looking into. You can have multiple bank accounts too, so don't feel like you're tied to one over another.