Big changes are coming from Nintendo and its rewards systems as the gaming goliath is preparing for the launch of its newest video game system, the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release later this year.
However, features that will soon be left behind are the My Nintendo Gold Points program and the Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers.
The fully revealed Nintendo Switch 2 console – YouTube, Nintendo of America
That means gamers will need to fork over a little more dough until the replacement rolls out.
My Nintendo is a rewards program that was released alongside Miitomo for Mobile Phones back in 2016. Two years later, the Gold Points earned from the program could be used to purchase full-fledged Nintendo Switch games.
“Gold Points are awarded based on 5% of the amount you pay when purchasing eligible digital content. You can use the Gold Points you’ve earned when purchasing downloadable software and DLC for the Nintendo Switch™ system.”
Nintendo
Nintendo will no longer allow for those Gold Points to be earned on March 24, 2025, at 9:30 PM PDT for digital content, so gamers will have a little over a month to make some last minute purchases.
A screenshot from Super Mario RPG (2023), Nintendo
However, those opting for physical games have more time as games released prior to the March 24th deadline are still eligible to be redeemed for Gold Points up to a year after their release. Nintendo also announced that preorders prior to the date would be honored and that purchases made at the Nintendo New York store will still receive gold points up until the services’s closure on the 24th.
While some casual observers of the gaming industry may point to industry layoffs and other economic challenges as the reason sparking the change, Nintendo instead seems to be shifting due to a change in eras.
Princess Zelda in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023), Nintendo
My Nintendo predates the Nintendo Switch by a year, back when the Wii U was still on the market. With the service now almost a decade old, it’s not surprising that the company wants to roll out something new alongside its upcoming console.
More evidence that points to new programs on the horizon is the recent announcement that the Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers program will not carry over to Nintendo Switch 2. That program offered bundled discounts on Nintendo titles. The gaming company appears to be transitioning to an unannounced program, but fans are still left wondering what kind of services and programs they’ll use for the next decade.
MarioKart 8 Deluxe (2017), Nintendo
It appears to be a “calm before the storm” for many Nintendo fans. There are looming questions still needing to be answered such as what is the future of My Nintendo as a service and will it be discontinued entirely?
Nintendo is bound to release games that will touch the hearts of many for decades to come with the next console generation. Let’s just hope they have some new Nintendo rewards plans ready to announce so in those decades we don’t need a second mortgage to play Donkey Kong.
Did you ever use My Nintendo Gold Points or Nintendo Switch Vouchers? What kind of programs would you like to see in the Nintendo Switch 2? Sound off in the comments below and check out That Park Place for all the news that should be fun!
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I mostly buy physical games and it was great to get something in return and generate a discount for a potential digital title. There was no downside to it, other than Nintendo not getting as much money. Combine that with Nintendo’s return to their censorious ways and I’m definitely not buying a Switch 2.
Nintendo is finally bringing Achievements to the Switch 2. That’s a good thing for people like me who love Trophy Hunting!!!!!