Nintendo announced today it will discontinue its Gold Points rewards program on March 24, ending a seven-year loyalty scheme that offered cash-back style rewards on digital and physical game purchases.
Why it matters: The termination changes Nintendo’s digital storefront strategy ahead of the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, removing a popular feature that gave customers up to 5% back on purchases.
Program Details: The Gold Points system currently offers tiered rewards based on purchase type:
- 5% back on digital purchases
- 1% back on physical games
- Points valid for 12 months from earning
Timeline Impact: Nintendo has outlined specific deadlines for the program’s wind-down:
- March 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM PDT: Final deadline for earning points
- Pre-orders placed before deadline still eligible
- Physical games released before March 24 remain eligible for one year
The company’s decision comes without official explanation, though industry analysts speculate it may relate to the anticipated Switch 2 console announcement expected at Nintendo’s April 2 Direct presentation.
While the Gold Points program ends, Nintendo’s separate Platinum Points system – used for digital wallpapers and physical merchandise rewards – will continue operating normally.
Current Gold Point holders need not rush to spend their rewards, as points remain valid for their full 12-month lifespan from date of issue. This means points earned just before the March 24 deadline could potentially be used until March 2026.
The program’s discontinuation particularly impacts digital shoppers, who currently enjoy the highest reward rate at 5% back. A $60 game purchase currently yields $3 in Gold Points – a benefit that will cease after the deadline.
Looking ahead, Nintendo has not announced any replacement loyalty program, leaving questions about how the company plans to incentivize digital purchases on its next gaming platform.
