Nintendo fans are facing disappointing news as the company is set to discontinue Gold Points for its My Nintendo loyalty program on Tuesday, March 25. For years, this program has allowed users to earn Gold Points from game purchases, which could then be redeemed for digital credits in the eShop.
The My Nintendo loyalty program rewarded players with 5% of their digital game purchases and 1% of their physical game purchases back in Gold Points. While the percentage may seem small, it provided dedicated Nintendo fans with opportunities to acquire games at a discount—or even for free. The program has been a valuable feature for many, making its discontinuation all the more frustrating.
Gold Points Expiration and Cutoff Date
Nintendo previously announced the discontinuation of Gold Points last month, and the official cutoff time is now fast approaching. As of March 25 at 12:30 AM ET, users will no longer earn Gold Points from their purchases. However, any existing Gold Points will remain usable until they expire after one year. Players hoping to make the most of their points should ensure they use them before they are lost.
Why Is Nintendo Removing Gold Points?
Nintendo has yet to provide a clear reason for discontinuing the program, but the timing is notable. The Gold Points system is being retired just over a week before the scheduled Nintendo Direct on April 2 at 9:00 AM ET, an event widely expected to feature the official reveal of the Switch 2. This showcase is likely to include the console’s price, release date, and launch titles, suggesting that Nintendo may be preparing for a shift in its business model as it moves into the next console generation.
Some speculate that Gold Points did not significantly boost sales, while others believe that Nintendo may be phasing out discounts to encourage full-price purchases for its next wave of software. Either way, players will no longer be able to rely on Gold Points for savings going forward.
A Mixed Month for Nintendo Fans
While the discontinuation of Gold Points marks a disappointing moment for many loyal Nintendo customers, the company is expected to make up for it with the big Switch 2 announcement on April 2. Fans eagerly awaiting Nintendo’s next-generation console will soon get a much better look at what the future holds. Until then, those with remaining Gold Points should use them wisely before they expire.
