Nintendo has announced plans to scrap its Gold Points reward scheme ahead of the release of the Switch 2.
Nintendo account holders can earn Gold Points by purchasing physical and digital games and DLC for the Nintendo Switch.
Gold Points can be used to save money on future purchases from the Nintendo eShop.
Unfortunately, however, the Gold Points scheme will be discontinued by Nintendo at the end of March.
According to Nintendo, the Gold Points scheme will come to an end on March 25.
Nintendo explains more: “From March 25, 2025, customers will no longer earn Gold Points when making digital purchases from Nintendo eShop and the official Nintendo website, or by redeeming download codes.
“Pre-orders for digital titles from Nintendo eShop or the official Nintendo website made up to and including March 24, 2025, will still earn Gold Points regardless of the game’s release date, even if the payment is processed after March 24.”
Customers will be able to use existing Gold Points until they expire after 12 months, so there’s no rush to spend any recently earned points.
The scrapping of the Gold Points loyalty scheme is a disappointing turn of events, especially with the Switch 2 on the horizon.
Here’s hoping Nintendo has a replacement in mind for the launch of the Switch 2 this summer. Perhaps we’ll find out more during the imminent Direct conference.
Speaking of the Nintendo Direct conference, we now know that the event will take place at 2pm GMT UK time on April 2.
In addition to the price tag and release date, the conference should shed light on the games that will be available at launch and later this year.
Judging by the announcement trailer (above), Mario Kart 9 appears to be in development for the console at launch.
Better yet, it looks like Mario Kart 9 could support 24-person multiplayer, which should lead to some chaotic races.
It’s also pretty likely that Metroid Prime 4 will be available as a cross-gen game for the Switch and Switch 2 when it launches later this year.