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Nintendo stopped awarding new My Nintendo Gold Points for eligible digital purchases on March 24, 2025, before Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025. The change ended earning, not the use of every existing point balance: previously earned points remain redeemable for eligible digital games and DLC until they expire.
What changed, and when?
Nintendo announced the end of Gold Points earning on February 18, 2025. The cutoff came about ten weeks before Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, but Nintendo did not state that the launch was the reason for the change.
| Date | What it meant |
|---|---|
| February 18, 2025 | Nintendo announced that Gold Points earning would end. |
| March 24, 2025, 9:30 p.m. PDT | Eligible digital purchases stopped earning Gold Points. Digital preorders placed after that time did not earn points; qualifying preorder transactions already in progress followed Nintendo’s transition rules. |
| March 25, 2026 | Nintendo Support’s stated end date for registering eligible physical Switch software to earn points. |
| June 5, 2025 | Switch 2 launched, after the digital earning cutoff. |
Nintendo’s announcement is the source for the cutoff and transition rules; its North American support article confirms the physical-game registration deadline. The launch date comes from Nintendo’s May 2025 financial release.
Can you still earn Nintendo Gold Points?
No. The digital earning program has ended, and the physical-game registration exception has also expired. Nintendo’s support page says physical Switch software could no longer be registered for points as of March 25, 2026.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Digital purchases
Eligible digital purchases stopped earning points at 9:30 p.m. PDT on March 24, 2025. A purchase or preorder made after the cutoff does not earn Gold Points.
Physical Switch games
New physical games released after March 24, 2025 did not qualify. Nintendo allowed owners to register eligible physical Switch games released on or before March 24, 2025 within one year of each game’s original release date. That registration opportunity ended on March 25, 2026.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
What the old rates were
Before the change, Nintendo awarded 5% of the eligible digital purchase amount, excluding tax and any points or discounts used. Eligible physical games earned 1% of the Nintendo eShop price, excluding tax. These were the pre-change rates, not current earning offers.
Can you still use Gold Points you already have?
Yes, if they have not expired. Nintendo says existing Gold Points can still be applied toward eligible digital Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games and DLC on Nintendo eShop and Nintendo’s website where available. Points cannot be transferred, sold, or traded. See Nintendo’s current points overview for the applicable redemption and account details.
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
When do Gold Points expire?
Points expire at the end of the month 12 months after the month in which they were earned. For example, points earned in April 2025 expire on April 30, 2026. Check the point history in your Nintendo Account to see the expiry dates for your balance.
Did eShop cards keep earning points?
No. After the change, purchases made using Nintendo eShop card balance no longer earned Gold Points. Nintendo noted that some retailer cards might still display outdated wording about earning points; those cards retained their face value, but buying or using one was not a way to keep earning Gold Points.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Why did Nintendo end Gold Points?
Nintendo’s February 18, 2025 announcement did not give a reason. The fact that the cutoff preceded Switch 2’s launch does not establish that the launch caused the decision. Nintendo closed the announcement with: “Thank you for your continued participation in the My Nintendo program.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
