With the Switch 2 Approaching, Nintendo Clarifies That Switch Game Vouchers Won’t Include New Console Exclusives and Plans to Phase Out eShop Gold Points

As we eagerly anticipate the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event set for April, there’s been quite a buzz around the official unveiling of the console. If you’re a current Switch owner or planning to join the Switch family, here are some important updates you should be aware of.

Nintendo has made some significant changes to its Switch Game Vouchers and eShop Gold Points programs. Notably, you won’t be able to earn Gold Points after March 25, 2025.

First, let’s dive into the Gold Points update, especially if you’ve built up a hefty balance from your eShop game purchases over the years. In essence, these points are being phased out.

According to a user-friendly post by Nintendo, “From March 25, 2025, customers will no longer earn Gold Points for digital purchases made on the Nintendo eShop and the official Nintendo website or for redeeming download codes.” However, if you place a pre-order for digital titles on the eShop or via the official website before or on March 24, 2025, you’ll still earn Gold Points. This applies even if the payment processes after March 24.

Additionally, though Gold Points can still be accrued by registering physical Game Cards through the HOME Menu of a Nintendo Switch console, the catch is, the game must be released by March 24, 2025. Unfortunately, any titles launched after this date won’t qualify for earning points. On the brighter side, Gold Points you currently hold remain valid for a year from when they were earned, so you’ll have time to use them before they expire.

Now, shifting gears to Switch Game Vouchers, which have been a great way to snag two Switch games at a discount. Nintendo has just clarified that “Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games.”

What’s your take on these updates? Are you feeling positively or negatively about these tweaks in purchasing options for Switch and Switch 2 games? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!