Crunchyroll Store to Become Exclusive to Mega/Ultimate Fan Tiers in August

Beginning in August, the Crunchyroll Store will transition to a paywalled model, requiring a paid membership for users to make purchases. According to reports from Anime News Network and Netto's Game Room, access to the store will be restricted exclusively to those subscribed to the Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan tiers. This change means that users without these specific high-level subscriptions will no longer be able to shop for merchandise through the official online portal. The implementation of this requirement is set for the summer of 2026, shifting the storefront from an open marketplace to a subscriber-only benefit. Coverage from multiple outlets highlights significant backlash from the anime community regarding this decision.

Polygon describes the move as feeling like the end of an era for fans and notes that the locking of the store behind subscription tiers has already angered users. PopGeeks characterized the move as a bizarre decision to limit the store to subscribers, while ScreenRant reports that the backlash following the announcement has already started. Other outlets providing coverage on the development include Anime Trending, Comic Book Resources, and TheGamer, all of whom emphasize the shift toward more expensive subscription requirements for basic store access. Context provided by GamesRadar+ links this decision to the broader strategies of Sony, the parent company, describing it as an attack on physical goods. This specific transition introduces a financial barrier to entry for physical merchandise, with GamesRadar+ noting a $14 subscription requirement to gain access to the store.

The move is framed by IGN Nordic as limiting the official store to the most expensive subscription tiers available. This strategy represents a fundamental shift in how Crunchyroll monetizes its ecosystem, moving away from a traditional retail model toward one integrated with its tiered membership services. Looking forward, observers will monitor how this policy impacts sales and user retention as the August deadline approaches. Based on the reporting from Softonic and other sources, the primary point of focus remains the transition in summer 2026 and whether the company will address the criticism from fans. Since the store is becoming exclusive to Mega and Ultimate Fan tiers, coverage will likely track whether these specific subscription levels see an increase in sign-ups or if the restriction leads to a migration of customers to alternative anime merchandise retailers.