Crunchyroll is facing backlash after announcing plans to limit its online store to Mega and Ultimate Fans only, requiring users to pay at least $13.99 per month to spend more money on merch, collectibles, and figurines.
The Crunchyroll online store, which was previously freely available to browse by anyone with an internet connection, will soon be closed to the general public.
Crunchyroll announced the news in an official blog post on July 14, revealing that only Mega and Ultimate Fans will be able to shop on its website moving forward.
At the time of writing, no date has been set for when this transition will take place, with the platform stating that it will “announce the exact date in the future.”
Currently, Crunchyroll boasts three different subscription tiers: the Fan Plan ($9.99/month), the Mega Fan Plan ($13.99/month), and the Ultimate Fan Plan ($17.99/month). Previously, viewers were able to watch anime on the site for free with ads, but that service was notably discontinued in December 2025.
Starting July 14, the store is taking 50% off select items for a special Summer Sale before transitioning to its “new, curated experience,” with these items designated as final sale, accepting refunds or returns only for products that are damaged or defective. Gift cards purchased prior to this transition will only be available for use through August 14, 2026, with Crunchyroll urging those with an open balance to contact their customer service line after that date has passed.
Something new just for you ✨ The Crunchyroll Store is turning into a next‑level, member‑exclusive destination built specifically for Mega and Ultimate Fans. We’re talking exclusive collabs, drops, and premium releases.
Learn more: https://t.co/EJGJ5gHXGD pic.twitter.com/8PuziWLzo7
— Crunchyroll Store (@ShopCrunchyroll) July 14, 2026
According to the platform’s blog post, its new and debatably-improved store will feature “curated drops and Crunchyroll‑exclusive merch you won’t find anywhere else.” More details are set to be revealed “soon,” though fans aren’t exactly happy with what’s been announced thus far, judging by the comments under their tweet on the topic.
Many aren’t missing the connection between the anime streaming platform and Sony, which famously bought the company in 2021. Given PlayStation’s recent decision to completely stop the production of physical game discs starting January 2028, anime fans are heated with recent business decisions by companies under the Sony umbrella.
Additionally, agencies from least two countries have filed anti-consumer lawsuits against Sony, with both the Dutch consumer organization Stichting Massaschade & Consument and Mexican lawmakers taking legal action against the company due to its pricing on the PlayStation store and for causing a potential “relative monopolistic practice” due to halting physical disc production.
Unsplash.com: Elena Mozhvilo / Crunchyroll
Virginia (she/her) is IGN’s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she’s got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at @TheeMissGlaze.
