Crunchyroll Locks Merch Store Behind $14-$18 Tiers as Fans Blast Sony Paywall
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 16
Crunchyroll Locks Merch Store Behind $14-$18 Tiers as Fans Blast Sony Paywall
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 16
Summary
Crunchyroll said only Mega and Ultimate subscribers will be able to shop its merchandise store in August, putting access behind $14 and $18 monthly plans.
The $10 Fan tier is excluded, and annual pricing runs $140 for Mega and $180 for Ultimate, effectively making users pay before they can buy exclusive drops and premium releases.
Fan backlash spread across social media, with users calling the move greedy and urging cancellations or purchases from rival anime retailers instead.
The shift follows Crunchyroll's broader e-commerce overhaul, including inventory liquidation and a push toward curated, limited-release merchandise after earlier subscription price increases.