Goodbye, Gold: Nintendo Switch eShop Ditches Loyalty Reward Program

Nintendo's Mario looks upward from bottom of frame. To his left, the Nintendo eShop logo. To his right, three Nintendo eShop Gold Points crossed out with a bright red "x."

“Mamma mia!” – Mario, probably

Nintendo will stop honoring its Switch eShop Gold Points next month. Starting March 25, 2025, the loyalty program will no longer issue points following digital downloads. The gaming giant didn’t elaborate on its decision to terminate the service. However, many speculate the Nintendo team is readying or revamping the program ahead of the Switch 2 release.

Fans can tune in to a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, for more long-awaited information regarding the console’s successor. The introductory Direct comes just weeks after the console’s first iteration celebrates its eighth birthday.

Breaking Down Nintendo’s Point System

If you used or set the parental controls on a Nintendo Switch or DS, you’ve likely visited the eShop, the brand’s digital distribution service. Like an arcade or rat-focused pizza joint, loyal gamers earned eShop-exclusive Gold Points for each online purchase. They could then apply accrued credits toward real or digital products found in the eShop’s special storefront.

Nintendo breaks down its coin system, explaining gamers get back 5% of each digital eShop purchase in Gold Points and 1% back for each dollar spent on physical Nintendo Switch purchases. If my latest eShop download ran me around $10, I’d see 50 Gold Points (equivalent to $0.50) hit my account. Users have been able to invest, splurge, or save their precious points for limited-run downloads, quirky stationery, family-friendly crafts, or unique branded accessories. Nintendo gets down to finer details in its related news release.

In a just world, global enterprises like Nintendo continue to reward consumer loyalty. Especially as new AAA releases inch closer and closer to a $70 price point.

What Now?

Don’t rush, but don’t dilly-dally, either — Nintendo stated players will continue earning points until the deadline. However, hoarded points remain valid for up to 12 months following the program’s discontinuation. Nintendo will not reward purchases made on games released post-deadline.

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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.

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