It is standard for companies to have a loyalty program for their customers. Nintendo is no different. Seven years ago, the Japanese studio launched My Nintendo. The program has evolved over the years, adding new features to entice fans to continue to purchase games. Gold Points were introduced two years ago, allowing fans to bank loyalty currency by purchasing games in the e-shop and in physical stores. Unfortunately, the studio will be discontinuing the Gold Points on March 25 to make way for something new.

Nintendo Set To Discontinue Gold Points

Players will no longer be able to earn Gold Points after March 25 of this year. When the feature was rolled out two years ago, fans were excited. It gave 5% back in Gold Points on any digital purchase and 1% on any physical purchase. Each point was worth one cent. Nintendo did clarify that while points will not be able to be earned after the 25th, players can still make purchases with those rewards. The studio also clarified that the My Nintendo loyalty program isn’t going anywhere, and many features are staying.

Platinum Points, which are earned through a variety of game activities, will not be discontinued. These points are used more for cosmetic upgrades rather than game purchases. The initial reaction of many fans will likely be frustration. Many gamers save up their Gold Points for the next big game release, making it easier on their budget to play new games. While Nintendo didn’t release any information on what they plan to do next, the discontinuation likely has to do with the release of the next-gen console.

Switch 2 Release

The discontinuation comes a week before the scheduled Nintendo Direct, where many believe the studio will announce the release date for the Switch 2. With that will likely come some game announcements and pre-orders. While we don’t know this for sure, the discontinuation of Gold Points points towards the studio not wanting players who have tons of points banked to use them on the next-gen games. They want to maximize profits on this release. Obviously, this is all speculation but the timing is curious.

Nintendo has kept a loyal fanbase for years. They will undoubtedly replace Gold Points with something else. While it may not be announced and rolled out until 2026 or beyond, the studio will want to do its best to keep players loyal to the brand. This discontinuation did not come with much explanation, so it leaves us to try and put the pieces together. One thing doesn’t change. The anticipation for the April presentation on the Switch 2 remains at an all-time high and will only increase from here.