There’s a lot of restructuring going on in the game industry and Nintendo recently dropped two major changes that have got their fans talking—and not in a pleasant way. The first is that from March 25th, Switch users will no longer earn My Nintendo Gold Points. The program is effectively being retired.
All existing Gold Points can still be redeemed until they expire 12 months from the date they were earned. Players earn Gold Points when they purchase products on the eShop. Gold Points will continue to be awarded at Nintendo Tokyo, Nintendo Osaka, and Nintendo Kyoto until March 24, 2025.
ALSO READ: NetEase Finally Reacts To Marvel Rivals Team Layoff, Confirms Our Fears
However, the Japanese company has highlighted three instances where players are still eligible for Gold Points even if their purchase exceeds the deadline for discontinuation of the program. They include:
- Pre-orders made before the end of the program will be rewarded even when the actual payment was made after March 25.
- Purchase of packaged version of software released by March 24.
- Purchase of the Switch OLED, Switch Customization, or Switch Lite before March 25.
Nintendo said they were “sincerely” sorry to all users of the My Nintendo Points program and asked for their understanding. The My Nintendo Platinum Points service was not affected by the decision and will continue to exist.
On X, several Switch users thought the decision was a misstep—especially those who have relied on the program to build their game library. A user with the handle @SebastienN14 called it “bad move” saying he would have to wait for big discounts to try games from small companies—which he previously supported using his Gold Points.
“This is so sad, this was my favorite rewards program I got so many free games from this,” wrote @justfilthygamin.
Some believe Nintendo only ended the program to prepare something new for the Switch 2 which is expected to be released later this year. This assumption was shared by @promptaurus who wrote, “Guys, they’re very obviously going to use a different system for the Switch 2 eshop.”
@BowsetteKoopa wrote, “I’m going to hold off on any questions I may or may not have about a replacement until after April 2nd, 2025. I’m sure there will be some sort of new thing replacing the old thing…in the future maybe? Only time will tell I guess.”
Nintendo Switch game vouchers won’t count for Switch 2 games
Nintendo has also announced that its Switch Game Vouchers promotions won’t count for Switch 2 games. The program which started in May 2019 allowed Switch owners to purchase a pair of Switch games at a more affordable combined price.
Two vouchers were sold for $100 / £84 and players can redeem them for almost any full-price first-party Switch game released over the course of the console’s life. They could also be used to pre-order upcoming titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition.
So, instead of purchasing first-party titles for $60 / £50, players save around $20 / £16 by purchasing game vouchers rather than directly purchasing the games. Nintendo recently updated its Switch Game Vouchers page to clarify that the vouchers will not work on Switch 2 games when they are released.
ALSO READ: Why Is My Gaming Laptop So Slow? 5 Ways To Fix It!
“Please note that Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games,” read the new message on the page.
Already, some players are beginning to speculate that the reason why this decision was made was because Switch 2 games will be more expensive. Others believe they will likely launch a new reward model for Switch 2 users.
What do you think about the two new announcements from Nintendo? Do you think the Gold Point and Game Vouchers have been instrumental to the commercial success of the Switch consoles? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
