March 25: A Disheartening Day for Nintendo Enthusiasts

March 25 is approaching fast, and for Nintendo enthusiasts, it marks a bittersweet moment. That’s the day Nintendo will officially pull the plug on Gold Points for its My Nintendo loyalty program. For years, these Gold Points have offered a way to stretch the value of game purchases, providing users with digital credits that could be redeemed on the eShop.

This loyalty perk, while modest, allowed My Nintendo users to claw back 5% on digital purchases and 1% on physical purchases. Over time, these points could accumulate and even lead to free game acquisitions—a very appealing prospect for Nintendo fans. Consequently, the decision to retire Gold Points is sure to tug at the heartstrings of many in the community.

The official announcement came last month, and as we edge closer to March 25, users are reminded that, post-discontinuation, accumulating further Gold Points from purchases will no longer be possible. However, existing points will still be valid, although they do carry a shelf life of one year, which fans should note as they plan their virtual shopping sprees.

One lingering question is why Nintendo has chosen this moment to say farewell to Gold Points. The company hasn’t shed any light on the decision. Intriguingly, this move is set just shy of a week before Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 Direct showcase on April 2, where price details, a release date, and an initial game lineup are expected to be unveiled. Perhaps Nintendo is clearing the decks for the next-gen era, possibly feeling that Gold Points didn’t quite spur the intended boost in game sales, or maybe it’s simply a strategic shift foreseen for the new console’s ecosystem.

Either way, the end of Gold Points adds a tinge of sadness to March 25 for the Nintendo family. But true to Nintendo’s spirit, there’s a silver lining just around the corner. The subsequent announcements about Switch 2 are likely to deliver a jolt of excitement and anticipation as fans gear up for what the forthcoming system has in store. With the promise of fresh experiences and titles on the horizon, this turning point could mark the beginning of another thrilling chapter in Nintendo’s storied history.