Nintendo to Discontinue Its Popular Switch Rewards Program

Entertainment Gossip and News: Nintendo Ends My Nintendo Gold Points Program for Switch

Nintendo has made a surprising announcement that has left its community of gamers buzzing with disappointment. The company revealed that it will be shutting down its My Nintendo Gold Points program for the Nintendo Switch next month. Set to end on March 24, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. PDT, the program, which has been a staple for Switch owners since its launch in 2016, will no longer allow players to earn Gold Points for purchasing digital or physical games. This decision has sparked frustration among fans, especially as the Switch 2 console is set to launch later this year.

A Look Back at the My Nintendo Gold Points Program

For those unfamiliar, the My Nintendo Gold Points program was introduced in 2016 alongside the My Nintendo loyalty program. It rewarded players with points for purchasing games digitally or physically. Digital purchases earned players 5% of the purchase price back in Gold Points, while physical purchases gave 1% of the game’s MSRP, provided the points were redeemed within a year of the game’s release. For example, a $60 game would give players 300 Gold Points for a digital purchase or 60 points for a physical copy.

These points could then be used to discount digital purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop, effectively acting as a digital cashback system. For frequent buyers, this meant they could amass enough points to purchase full games without spending a dime. The program was a hit among Nintendo fans, offering a sense of value and reward for their purchases.

The Impact of the Program and Its Discontinuation

Over the years, the Gold Points program has been a beloved perk for Nintendo Switch owners. Many players have taken advantage of the rewards to snag free games or discounts, making it a key incentive for buying games digitally. The program was so well-received that it inspired similar rewards schemes from competitors like PlayStation and Epic Games Store.

However, Nintendo has now decided to discontinue the program, leaving many in the gaming community stunned. The announcement came without any explanation, leaving fans to speculate about the reasons behind this move. While existing Gold Points will still be usable until they expire (12 months after being earned), players will no longer be able to accumulate new points after March 24, 2025. This has left many feeling disappointed and even betrayed, as the program was seen as one of the few advantages of buying digital games on the Switch.

Fan Reactions: Frustration and Disappointment

The response to Nintendo’s announcement has been swift and overwhelmingly negative. Players took to social media platforms like Twitter and BlueSky to express their frustration. One Twitter user wrote, "That really sucks. I’ve gotten so many free games from just Gold Points." Another added, "It sucks seeing them sunset this as we get ready for the Switch 2 later this year. Gold Points were one of the only reasons I’d go for digital Switch games after they dropped in price on official retailer sites."

These sentiments echo the feelings of many fans who have relied on the program to save money or earn free games. The timing of the announcement has only added to the frustration, as it coincides with the upcoming release of the Switch 2, Nintendo’s next-generation console. Many had hoped that the new console would build upon the success of the original Switch, including its rewards program. Instead, the discontinuation of Gold Points has left some questioning Nintendo’s priorities and whether the company is moving away from customer-friendly initiatives.

What’s Next for Nintendo Switch Rewards?

At the moment, Nintendo has not hinted at any plans to replace the Gold Points program with a similar initiative for the Switch 2. The company did reveal the new console in a trailer last month, but details about its features, pricing, and release date remain scarce. More information is expected to be shared during a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation in April, but fans are holding their breath to see if any new rewards program will be announced.

The discontinuation of Gold Points has left a void in the Nintendo ecosystem, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how the company plans to reward its loyal customer base moving forward. Whether the Switch 2 will introduce a new rewards system or continue without one remains to be seen, but for now, the end of the Gold Points program marks the end of an era for Nintendo Switch owners.

Closing Thoughts: A Bittersweet Farewell to a Beloved Program

The My Nintendo Gold Points program was more than just a rewards scheme; it was a way for Nintendo to show its appreciation for its dedicated fan base. For many players, it added value to their purchases and made buying digital games feel worthwhile. While the program’s discontinuation is undoubtedly disappointing, it also serves as a reminder of how much Nintendo has evolved as a company and how it continues to shape the gaming landscape.

As the gaming world looks ahead to the Switch 2 and all the possibilities it holds, one thing is clear: the legacy of the Gold Points program will live on in the hearts (and wallets) of Nintendo fans. Whether the company chooses to revisit this concept or introduces something entirely new remains to be seen, but for now, players will have to bid a bittersweet farewell to a program that once made buying games feel like a rewarding experience.

In the end, the discontinuation of the Gold Points program is a reminder that nothing lasts forever, even in the world of gaming. But as Nintendo prepares to usher in a new era with the Switch 2, fans can only hope that the company will find new ways to reward their loyalty and keep the spirit of the Gold Points program alive in some form. Until then, players will have to cherish the memories—and the free games—they earned along the way.