Nintendo Game Vouchers won’t work on Switch 2 exclusives, Gold Points discontinued

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally coming out from the shadows, and while we don’t know the price of the console or its games yet, Nintendo has announced that “Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games,” according to a page on its website confirming titles eligible for the Game Voucher program.

The Game Voucher program allowed Nintendo Switch Online members to purchase a pair of Game Vouchers, redeemable for many Nintendo Switch exclusive titles, for just $100 — a decent discount on Nintendo’s famously un-discounted $60 titles. While it may seem uncontroversial not to extend this program from Switch 1 to Switch 2, the move has players worried that it may signal an increase in retail price for first-party titles. Both Sony and Microsoft increased the price of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series titles this generation from the traditional $60 to $70, citing the increased cost of game development.

Nintendo has also announced the discontinuation of the My Nintendo Gold Points program, which will come to an end on March 24. The program granted points for both digital and physical purchases, which could be redeemed against future purchases. Nintendo has a list of all the details of when Gold Points can be earned and when that’s changing. The important detail for those of us with Gold Points in our Nintendo accounts: “All earned Gold Points will continue to be valid and redeemable for 12 months after they are issued,” so plan accordingly.

There is no mention of the My Nintendo “Platinum” points program, which rewarded users with a different point currency for playing certain mobile games, finding secrets across Nintendo websites, and more. Those points could be used to purchase digital goods (boring!) or more excitingly, physical goods (such as my beloved Splatoon 3 shopping bag). This program was a continuation of the classic Club Nintendo loyalty program, which ended in 2015 before the Switch was released.