Nintendo fans, take note: a major change is coming to the way you save on digital purchases. Nintendo has officially announced that it will discontinue its My Nintendo Gold Points rewards program on March 24, 2025, at 9:30 PM PDT. This move marks the end of a popular loyalty initiative that has allowed players to earn points on digital and physical game purchases for years.
A Look Back: The Rise of Gold Points
The My Nintendo Gold Points program was introduced in 2017 alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch. It was designed to reward gamers with points equivalent to a percentage of their eShop purchases — typically 5% back on digital games and 1% for physical game redemptions. These points, which had a one-year expiration period, could then be applied as discounts on future eShop purchases.
For many, the program made new game acquisitions more accessible. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe became just a little more affordable when users strategically accumulated their points.
Why Is Nintendo Ending the Program?
Nintendo has not provided an official reason for discontinuing Gold Points. However, industry experts speculate that this change could be linked to the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2, expected sometime in 2025. Historically, loyalty programs like this have sometimes been retired or reworked when companies transition to next-gen hardware.
Moreover, Nintendo might be simplifying its rewards ecosystem. The company still maintains the My Nintendo Rewards program, which offers physical collectibles, digital wallpapers, and exclusive in-game items.
What Happens to Existing Points?
If you already have Gold Points sitting in your account, don’t worry — existing points will remain valid until their original expiration date (12 months after being earned). However, after the cutoff date:
- No new Gold Points will be awarded for any purchases made after March 24.
- Gold Points can still be used for discounts on eligible eShop purchases until they expire.
A Shift in Strategy for Nintendo?
This decision might hint at a broader shift in Nintendo’s strategy. The company has been moving toward more digital services, such as Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass and cloud-based game offerings. The removal of Gold Points could signal a shift toward different loyalty incentives or the introduction of new services for the anticipated Switch successor.
Other companies, like PlayStation Stars and Xbox Rewards, have seen success with their digital loyalty programs, offering players opportunities to earn points for various activities, from purchasing games to unlocking achievements. It remains to be seen whether Nintendo will follow suit with a modernized system or abandon loyalty programs altogether.
How Can Gamers Prepare?
To make the most of the program before it ends, Nintendo fans should:
- Check Your Gold Points Balance: Log into your Nintendo account and visit the eShop to review your available points.
- Spend Points on Future Purchases: Use them toward games you’ve been eyeing or upcoming releases before expiration.
- Stay Updated: Nintendo could announce new initiatives as the Switch 2 launch approaches.
The Bigger Picture
Nintendo’s decision to sunset Gold Points might disappoint long-time fans who’ve enjoyed the savings, but it also opens the door for potential innovations. As the company gears up for its next-gen console, gamers can expect fresh opportunities — and possibly new reward systems — on the horizon.
For now, if you have Gold Points to spend, don’t let them go to waste. Mark your calendars for March 24, 2025, and make the most of the discounts while you still can.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo’s Gold Points program ends March 24, 2025, at 9:30 PM PDT
- Users can still earn and use existing points until the cutoff date
- The My Nintendo Rewards program will continue with other features intact
Overview of Nintendo’s Gold Points Loyalty Program
Nintendo’s Gold Points program rewards digital purchases with store credit, giving members a 5% return on Nintendo eShop purchases and 1% on physical games.
Understanding Gold Points
Gold Points function as a digital currency within Nintendo’s ecosystem. Each point equals one cent in Nintendo eShop credit, making 100 points worth $1.00 USD.
Users earn Gold Points through purchases on the Nintendo eShop and select physical game purchases. Digital purchases grant 5% back in points, while physical game purchases provide 1% back.
Gold Points expire 12 months after they are earned. Points can be redeemed toward future digital game and DLC purchases on the Nintendo eShop.
Purpose and Benefits of the Loyalty Program
The My Nintendo Rewards program aims to reward customer loyalty and encourage digital purchases. Members receive automatic points for every eligible purchase.
Points can reduce the cost of future games and downloadable content. A $60 digital game purchase earns 300 Gold Points ($3.00 value).
The program integrates with Nintendo’s online services and the Nintendo eShop. Members can check their point balance and expiration dates through their Nintendo Account.
Physical game purchases require manual registration through the Nintendo website to receive points. Users must register their games within one year of the game’s original release date.
Timeline of the Program Termination
Nintendo has established specific deadlines for the discontinuation of its Gold Points rewards program, marking a significant change in its digital purchasing incentives.
Announcement Details
Nintendo officially announced the end of Gold Points rewards in early 2025. The program, which gave customers 5% back in points on digital purchases, will stop issuing new points in March 2025.
The announcement came through Nintendo’s official channels, giving users over a month to prepare for the changes. This affects all digital purchases made through the Nintendo eShop.
Cut-Off Date for Earning and Redeeming Points
The final cut-off for earning new Gold Points is March 24, 2025, at 9:30 PM PDT. Users should note that Gold Points remain valid for 12 months from the date they were earned.
Digital purchases made after the cut-off date will not generate any Gold Points rewards. Nintendo has confirmed that other features of the My Nintendo Rewards program will continue to operate.
Users should check their current Gold Points balance and expiration dates to ensure they use their points before they expire. The points can still be redeemed for eligible digital content on the Nintendo eShop.
Implications for Nintendo Product Users
Nintendo’s Gold Points program changes will affect millions of users who earn rewards on game purchases. The discontinuation marks significant shifts in how Nintendo customers receive benefits from their purchases.
Impact on Nintendo Switch and Future Consoles
Users will no longer earn Gold Points on digital purchases after March 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM PDT. This affects all Nintendo Switch eShop purchases, including games, DLC, and digital content.
Physical game purchases releasing after March 24 will not qualify for Gold Points. This applies to both current Switch titles and potential future console releases.
Pre-orders placed before the cutoff date will still receive Gold Points, even if the game releases later. Nintendo eShop card purchases after the deadline won’t generate points.
Options for Existing Points Accumulation
Players have until March 24 to maximize their Gold Points earnings. Digital purchases earn 5% back in Gold Points, while physical games provide 1% in rewards.
The Nintendo New York store will continue awarding Gold Points through March 24, offering a final opportunity for in-person shoppers to earn rewards.
Any Gold Points already earned remain usable according to their original expiration dates. Users should check their point balances and consider using them before they expire.
Smart consumers can strategically time their purchases to earn maximum points before the program ends. This includes pre-ordering upcoming games and buying planned purchases earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nintendo’s Gold Points program termination on March 24, 2025, brings significant changes for Switch users and digital purchases. Members have limited time to utilize their accumulated points.
What are the implications for Nintendo Switch users with the termination of the gold points loyalty program?
Switch users will no longer earn points on digital or physical game purchases after March 24, 2025. The change affects both Nintendo eShop transactions and physical game registrations.
The termination removes the 5% credit benefit on digital purchases and 1% on physical games. Users will need to pay full price for future Nintendo eShop purchases.
How can members redeem their gold points before the loyalty program ends?
Members must use their Gold Points by March 24, 2025, at 9:30 PM PDT. Points can be redeemed for digital games and DLC on the Nintendo eShop.
Users should check their point balance through their Nintendo Account. The points work as partial payment for eligible items in the eShop.
What alternatives will Nintendo offer following the discontinuation of the gold points system?
Nintendo has not announced a replacement rewards program. The company maintains its Nintendo Switch Online subscription service with its existing benefits.
The Nintendo NY store will continue its separate rewards structure. This store-specific program operates independently from the Gold Points system.
What are the reasons behind the decision to end the gold points loyalty program?
Nintendo has not provided specific reasons for ending the program. The decision follows changes in their digital marketplace strategy.
The program ran for nine years, starting in March 2016. It served as Nintendo’s primary digital rewards system during the Switch era.
How will the termination of the gold points loyalty program affect the value of accumulated points?
Existing points retain their monetary value until the March 24 deadline. Each point equals one cent in the Nintendo eShop.
Unused points will expire after the termination date. Points cannot be converted to cash or transferred to other reward systems.
What steps should consumers take to ensure their gold points are utilized before the program’s conclusion?
Users should review their point balance immediately. Create a plan to spend points on desired games or DLC before expiration.
Watch for Nintendo eShop sales to maximize point value. Consider upcoming game releases that launch before the program ends.
Keep receipts for recent physical game purchases. Register eligible games promptly to receive points before the deadline.
