Come March 25th, fans of Nintendo are in for a disappointment, as that’s the day Nintendo is set to phase out its cherished Gold Points from the My Nintendo loyalty program. For many years, these Gold Points have been a big draw for players. They allowed folks to earn digital credits when buying games, essentially giving them a nifty way to snag free titles in the eShop over time.
Gamers participating in this program would earn back 5% from their digital purchases and 1% from physical ones in the form of Gold Points. While it might seem like a modest return, for dedicated fans, these rewards have added up over time, often racking up enough points to claim a free game here and there. It’s easy to see why the impending removal of this feature is a heartbreaker for loyal Nintendo enthusiasts.
Last month, Nintendo let everyone know that Gold Points would soon be history, and now the end date is looming close. As of 12:30 am ET on March 25th, players won’t be able to accrue new Gold Points from their game purchases. On the bright side, any Gold Points that are currently accumulated can still be used, but players should be mindful of the expiration policy, as these points will expire after a year.
What’s really puzzling is the lack of a clear reason from Nintendo regarding this change. The elimination of Gold Points seems strategically timed just before their much-anticipated Switch 2 Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2nd. Expected during this event are major announcements about the new console’s price, launch date, and the lineup of games set to hit the shelves. It’s possible that Nintendo wants to start fresh with the next generation of gaming, leaving Gold Points in the past. It’s anyone’s guess whether the decision was driven by a belief that the program wasn’t boosting game sales or if it was simply encouraging folks to hold off on making purchases using traditional means.
Though the end of Gold Points marks a somber moment for many, players can look forward to the upcoming week filled with exciting news regarding the Switch 2 console. It’s set to be an electrifying time for fans, offering the best glimpse yet into what’s next from Nintendo and a peek into the future of gaming with their new next-generation device.
