The end of an era is approaching for Nintendo's loyalty program.  On March 25th, at 12:30 am ET, My Nintendo Gold Points will be officially discontinued. This marks a significant shift in Nintendo's rewards system, leaving many fans wondering about the future of digital rewards.

For years, Gold Points have provided a small but appreciated perk for digital and physical game purchases.  Users earned 5% back on digital purchases and 1% on physical, accumulating credit to use towards future eShop purchases. This effectively offered a small discount on games, a feature popular among loyal Nintendo fans.

The timing of this discontinuation is particularly noteworthy, coming just a week before the rumored Switch 2 Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2nd at 9:00 am ET.  This presentation is expected to unveil key details about the next-generation console, including price, release date, and launch titles.

Industry analysts have offered mixed predictions regarding the Switch 2's launch, considering potential price points, production costs, and sales projections. The discontinuation of Gold Points adds another layer of intrigue to these predictions.

Nintendo has yet to offer a clear explanation for the removal of Gold Points.  Some speculate that the program's impact on encouraging game purchases was minimal. Others theorize that removing the discount incentive might drive direct purchases of titles rather than redemption through accumulated points.

While existing Gold Points will remain usable in the eShop, they will expire after one year. Users are encouraged to utilize their remaining points before they are forfeited.

The discontinuation of Gold Points marks a sad day for many Nintendo enthusiasts. However, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Switch 2 announcements promises to quickly shift the focus. The April 2nd Nintendo Direct is expected to provide a comprehensive look at the new console and its launch lineup, offering a glimpse into the future of Nintendo gaming.