Nintendo announces discontinuation of My Nintendo Gold Points reward

Nintendo has announced that it is discontinuing its My Nintendo Gold Points reward system which it gives users when they purchase a game. The gold points, which is a set percentage of the amount spent on the purchase of a game, can be used towards the purchase of another game for their console such as the Nintendo Switch OLED (curr. available on Amazon for $349).

Nintendo made the announcement today but didn't provide a reason for the termination of the program. However, it stated that it will take effect starting on March 24, 2025 (after 9:30 PM PDT for digital games purchased or pre-ordered on the Nintendo eShop).

For those who currently have unused Nintendo Gold points or earn them before the discontinuation date, Nintendo says they will still be valid for 12 months after they were collected. For physical games purchased on or before March 24, 2025, Nintendo says buyers can still earn gold points if they register the game within one year from its original release date.

Apart from games, Nintendo gold points can also be earned when you purchase a Nintendo eShop card. However, despite the likelihood that retailers may continue to sell this type of eShop card with gold points after the discontinuation of the reward system, Nintendo says buyers will only get the value of the card but not the gold points.

Interestingly, Nintendo is keeping the Platinum Points reward system which players earn when they complete missions related to the My Nintendo service or select games such as Super Mario Run or Fire Emblem Heroes.

Platinum points can be used towards the purchase of digital rewards such as wallpapers or icons if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. They can also be used towards the purchase of physical rewards such as bags and hats on the Nintendo Store. Unlike Gold Points that expire after a year, Platinum Points expire after six months.