Crunchyroll, a prominent anime streaming service, will begin restricting access to its online store to subscribers of its premium Mega and Ultimate Fan tiers starting this August. This change means that users on the basic Fan tier and unregistered guests will no longer be able to make purchases.
According to Crunchyroll, the revamped store aims to "capture the excitement of convention-exclusive merchandise: collectibles, curated drops, and limited-release products inspired by the anime series you love." The company stated that this decision was influenced by community feedback and observations on what excites collectors and anime enthusiasts.
However, this announcement has been met with considerable fan dissatisfaction. The Crunchyroll Store has historically served as a retail outlet for not only merchandise but also physical media such as manga and home entertainment products, including exclusive limited edition sets. Many fans view the move as another step in Sony's consolidation of the anime market. Sony acquired Crunchyroll in 2021 and subsequently merged its acquisition, video publisher and distributor Right Stuf, Inc., into the Crunchyroll brand in 2022, with Right Stuf's operations fully integrated into the Crunchyroll Store in 2023.
This policy change follows Sony's recent controversial announcement regarding the discontinuation of physical discs for PlayStation games. Some anime fans are concerned that the Crunchyroll Store's new model could signal a broader industry shift away from physical media and towards digital consumption and streaming. Crunchyroll's official statements have focused on collectibles and merchandise, notably omitting traditional physical media like Blu-rays and DVDs from their descriptions of the store's offerings.
Regardless of Crunchyroll's stated intentions, gating product access behind higher subscription tiers is proving to be a controversial decision, potentially exacerbating negative perceptions among a segment of the fandom. The changes are set to take effect in August 2026. Prior to this, a Summer Sale offering 50% off selected items will commence on July 14.