As of March 25th, Nintendo Switch users can no longer earn Gold Points for digital game purchases on the eShop.  This marks the end of an era for the rewards program, which allowed players to accumulate points equivalent to a percentage of their spending and redeem them for discounts on future eShop purchases.

While the ability to earn Gold Points through digital purchases has ceased, physical copies of eligible Nintendo Switch games released before March 24th, such as Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, can still earn players Gold Points. This offers a small consolation for those who prefer physical media.

The discontinuation of Gold Points for digital purchases was announced months in advance, giving users time to spend their accumulated points.  Unspent points will remain valid for 12 months from their date of acquisition.  However, the news still marks a disappointing change for many Nintendo fans.

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For physical game purchases, the eligibility for Gold Points now depends on the release date. Games released within the past year still qualify for the program.  This means recent titles like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door may still offer Gold Points rewards when purchased physically, while older games like Pokemon Legends: Z-A are no longer eligible.

It's important to note that this change only impacts Gold Points.  Platinum Points, earned through activities like playing Nintendo Switch Online games, remain unaffected and can still be redeemed for rewards such as Nintendo Switch avatars and other cosmetic items.

The end of the Gold Points program follows another recent announcement regarding Switch Game Vouchers. Nintendo confirmed that these vouchers will not be compatible with Switch 2 games, though they remain valid for current Switch titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition and Mario and Luigi: Brothership.

With the highly anticipated April 2nd Nintendo Direct now passed, fans are eager for more information about the Switch 2.  Whether or not a similar rewards program will be implemented for the new console remains to be seen.