Nintendo Fans Brace for Heartbreak on March 25

On March 25, Nintendo’s My Nintendo loyalty program will experience a significant change as the company ceases offering Gold Points. These points have been a staple for fans, allowing them to earn digital credits through game purchases, which they could then use in the eShop. While the percentage might not seem substantial at first glance—5% for digital and 1% for physical purchases—over time, they accumulate, providing a means to enjoy games without any additional cost. This feature’s popularity makes the impending discontinuation all the more disappointing for the Nintendo community.

Just last month, Nintendo announced the termination of Gold Points, setting March 25 at 12:30 a.m. ET as the cutoff. After this date, no new points will be awarded for purchases, although existing points can still be used until their expiration, which is a year after being earned. Does this maneuver suggest a strategic shift? While Nintendo hasn’t shared specific reasons for this move, it’s notable that it aligns with a pivotal moment for the company. The end of Gold Points comes just days before Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 Direct presentation on April 2, which is expected to unveil the new console’s price point, release schedule, and initial lineup of titles.

Perhaps Nintendo is recalibrating its incentives heading into the next generational leap. It might be that the Gold Points program wasn’t driving additional game sales as hoped, or it could be part of a broader strategy to stimulate direct purchases with actual currency. Whatever the rationale, March 25 marks the close of an era. However, fans can still look forward to exciting news about the Switch 2 shortly thereafter, potentially easing the loss by bolstering anticipation for what’s to come. The unveiling of new hardware and games might just be the spark the Nintendo community needs, overshadowing the disappointment of losing this beloved loyalty feature.