March 25 Will Bring Disappointment for Nintendo Fans

Nintendo fans are in for disappointing news as the beloved Gold Points in the My Nintendo loyalty program will soon become a thing of the past. The decision to discontinue this feature is set to take effect on Tuesday, March 25, at precisely 12:30 am ET. Over the years, Gold Points have been a cherished part of Nintendo’s loyalty rewards, giving gamers valuable digital credits for their game purchases that they could later redeem on the eShop.

While the accumulation rate may seem modest—5% of digital game purchases and 1% for physical ones—it gradually allowed loyal Nintendo users to enjoy something of a bonus on their gaming expenses. Given its popularity, many wondered why such a popular feature was being sidelined without any clear explanation from Nintendo.

The initial announcement about the discontinuation of Gold Points was made last month, leaving many fans in disbelief as the deadline now rapidly approaches. By March 25, Nintendo buyers will no longer earn these points from any of their purchases. However, it’s worth noting that existing Gold Points won’t vanish immediately but are good for a year after being accrued—so there’s a little time for one last hurrah.

Curiously, Nintendo hasn’t clarified why they’re pulling the plug on this rewarding program, particularly at such a pivotal moment. Just about a week after the Gold Points bid farewell, Nintendo is slated to unveil the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 during their big Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2 at 9:00 am ET. This event promises significant reveals, including the console’s price, launch date, and the first wave of games.

Some speculate that by removing Gold Points, Nintendo may be aiming for a clean slate with their next-gen console. Perhaps the company believes these points haven’t been as effective in driving game sales as anticipated, or maybe they see more value in the traditional purchase model over offering discounted or free games.

Despite the sad farewell to Gold Points, Nintendo fans can find some consolation in the excitement surrounding the impending Switch 2 announcements. Although March 25 marks the end of an era for My Nintendo members, the prospect of new and innovative experiences with the Switch 2 surely gives something to look forward to.