Crunchyroll Store to Be Exclusive to Mega and Ultimate Fan Subscribers Starting in August
Crunchyroll has announced that its official store for anime and manga merchandise will be available exclusively to users with Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan subscription tiers. The change will take effect in August 2026, meaning that lower-tier Fan subscribers and free users will no longer have access to the store. The company stated that existing open orders will continue to be delivered without issues, including products released after the transition date.
Crunchyroll’s subscription system currently consists of three main tiers: Fan (ad-free viewing), Mega Fan (offline viewing, four simultaneous screens), and Ultimate Fan (all Mega Fan features plus an annual Swag Bag and access to exclusive events). With this store change, Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan subscribers will have priority access to figures, apparel, accessories, and collectibles in the Crunchyroll Store. This move is seen as part of the platform's strategy to shift its revenue model toward higher tiers.
The decision has sparked debate, particularly among fans who watch anime on a lower budget. Crunchyroll has previously introduced similar tier-based perks; for example, the “Swag Bag” gifts are exclusive to the Ultimate Fan package. However, this is the first time the store has been completely locked. In a statement, company officials said, “We want to make our store a more exclusive and personal experience. We are making this change to offer the best products to our most loyal fans.”
A point to note during the transition: items added to the cart before August but not purchased will lose their validity. Additionally, tracking and return processes for orders already in the store will not be affected. This new policy for the Crunchyroll Store could lead other digital platforms in the industry to differentiate their subscription tiers more aggressively. The platform is expected to offer more tier-exclusive content and products in the coming period.
