Nintendo Gold Points Program Discontinuation and Game Voucher Incompatibility with Switch 2 Titles – News

After a long stretch of enjoying free access, many Nintendo Switch Online users may have to reconsider their strategies. Unfortunately, some longstanding features are about to change, just in time for the release of Xenoblade Chronicles X’s re-release, and others won’t make it to the anticipated Switch 2.

Nintendo dropped a significant announcement earlier tonight, revealing that the My Nintendo Gold Points program will come to an end on March 25, precisely at 12:59 a.m. ET. This program has been a favorite among fans, offering back 1% of physical first-party release prices as eShop credit during their first year, and an attractive 5% on all eShop purchases. However, there’s a small window left: physical games launched between March 25, 2024, and the program’s end can still earn these benefits until their annual eligibility runs out. Titles like Endless Ocean: Luminous to Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition make the cut, but newcomers like Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond won’t have this perk.

There’s more to note for those eyeing the next console generation. The support page for Switch Online Vouchers has been updated, clarifying that these vouchers won’t be compatible with Switch 2 games. Previously, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers could snag these vouchers for $99 in the US, or equivalent in other currencies, and redeem them for first-party games. These vouchers, though, will still be valid for upcoming releases on the original Switch, including much-anticipated titles Legends Z-A and Prime 4.