No—buying a Nintendo Switch 2 game does not earn My Nintendo Gold Points, whether you buy it digitally or on a game card. Nintendo ended digital Gold Point earning in March 2025 and, in the Americas, ended physical Nintendo Switch software registration rewards on March 25, 2026. You can still spend eligible unexpired Gold Points on digital Switch 2 games and DLC.
When did Gold Point earning end?
Nintendo ended rewards in two stages, so the answer depends on how a game was purchased:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
- Digital purchases: Nintendo of America says Gold Points stopped being earned on digital content at 9:30 p.m. PDT on March 24, 2025. That cutoff also applies when paying with a Nintendo eShop card balance. Older eShop cards that mention rewards remain redeemable at full value, but purchases made after the cutoff do not earn Gold Points. Nintendo of America’s discontinuation notice.
- Physical Nintendo Switch games: Nintendo of America says registration rewards ended on March 25, 2026. This was a later cutoff for the physical game-card registration route. Nintendo of America’s current support notice.
These are earning cutoffs, not a date after which all existing Gold Points disappear. Existing points remain subject to their own expiration dates.
Can a physical Switch 2 game earn Gold Points?
No. Nintendo UK’s physical-software guidance says eligible games had to be Nintendo Switch titles originally released on or before March 24, 2025, and specifically says Switch 2 games do not qualify because they were released after that date. Nintendo UK’s physical software guidance.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
That UK page describes the earlier physical-game eligibility rules. For a current account in the Americas, Nintendo’s later support notice says physical Nintendo Switch registration rewards ended altogether on March 25, 2026. Rules and claim windows can vary by region, so use the Nintendo support guidance for the region of your account for account-specific questions.
Can you still use Gold Points on Switch 2?
Yes, if the points are still valid and the purchase is eligible. Nintendo says existing Gold Points can be used toward eligible digital Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games and downloadable content in Nintendo eShop and on Nintendo’s website where available. A physical game-card purchase is not a way to redeem them.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- 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
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Gold Points expire on the last day of the month 12 months after they were earned. Check your signed-in Nintendo Account’s points history for your balance and the expiration dates that apply to it. Nintendo of America’s Gold Points notice.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are Platinum Points affected?
No. Nintendo says Platinum Points can still be earned. They are a separate points type and cannot be exchanged or converted into Gold Points. Nintendo of America’s support notice.
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- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Why did Nintendo end Gold Point earning?
Nintendo’s reviewed discontinuation notices do not give a reason for ending Gold Point earning. Claims that the decision was made specifically because of Switch 2, program costs, or another business strategy are speculation, not an explanation stated by Nintendo.
Quick Recap
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.
