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Nintendo Just Made Games More Expensive
Nintendo fans, some big changes are on the way, and they might not be the kind you were hoping for. With the highly anticipated Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo is making unexpected adjustments that could make buying games more expensive.
If you love finding deals on Nintendo titles, you’ll want to pay close attention. Some long-standing perks are disappearing, which could mean fewer ways to save on your favorite games. Let’s look at what’s changing and how it might affect your wallet.
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The Cost of Nintendo Games Just Went Up
With Game Vouchers losing value and Gold Points disappearing, buying Nintendo games became more expensive. Nintendo is known for keeping its first-party games at full price for years, rarely offering deep discounts.
Without these savings programs, there are now fewer ways to reduce the cost of digital games. This means players will likely have to pay full price for new titles, which could be especially frustrating for those used to stacking up Gold Points for small discounts.
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Why Is Nintendo Making These Changes?
Nintendo hasn’t given an official reason for ending these programs, but the timing suggests it’s tied to the Switch 2 launch. They may plan a new rewards system or adjust pricing for the next generation.
Another possibility is that Nintendo wants to maximize profits ahead of the Switch 2’s release. By phasing out these discount programs, they ensure that fans will pay full price for new titles rather than using points or vouchers to save money.
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No More Gold Points After March 2025
Nintendo’s popular Gold Points system is ending, and that’s bad news for bargain hunters. This program gave players a small percentage of their purchases back as points, which could be used to save money on future games.
Starting March 24, 2025, players will no longer earn Gold Points on purchases made in the eShop or through Nintendo’s website.
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Game Vouchers Won’t Work for Switch 2 Games
Nintendo’s Game Vouchers have been a great way to save on digital games, but they’re losing some appeal. These vouchers let players buy two eligible Nintendo Switch games for $100, often saving up to $20.
However, Nintendo has confirmed that these vouchers won’t be valid for Switch 2 exclusives. You’re out of luck if you were hoping to use them on upcoming titles like a new Mario Kart or Zelda game.
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What Happens to Your Existing Gold Points?
If you’ve been collecting Gold Points, don’t worry; they’re not disappearing overnight. Nintendo has confirmed that existing Gold Points will remain usable for up to 12 months from earning them.
If you’ve got points sitting in your account, you should plan to spend them before they expire. After March, you won’t be able to earn new points, but any leftover balance will still be valid for a little while longer.
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Will Nintendo Introduce a New Rewards Program?
While Nintendo is shutting down Gold Points, there’s still a chance they’ll introduce something new. Other gaming companies, like PlayStation and Xbox, offer reward programs that let players earn points through purchases and achievements.
So far, Nintendo hasn’t announced a replacement, but fans are hopeful they’ll introduce a new system alongside the Switch 2. Until then, the best way to save on games will be through seasonal sales or physical game discounts from retailers.
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Physical Game Owners Lose a Big Perk
There’s more bad news for players who prefer physical cartridges: Gold Points will no longer be available for newer game releases. If you buy a physical copy of a game, you won’t be able to redeem points for it.
Previously, players could get a small discount by registering their physical game copies, but that option is going away. This change could push more people toward digital purchases, where Nintendo controls pricing more strictly.
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What This Means for Switch 2 Game Prices
One of the biggest concerns from fans is that these changes signal an increase in game prices for the Switch 2. Many expect the new console’s games to cost $70, similar to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X titles.
Since players won’t be able to use Game Vouchers or Gold Points on these titles, they may have to pay full price for every new release. If that’s the case, owning a Switch 2 could be a more expensive experience than the original Switch.
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Digital Games May Be Harder to Discount
Digital game buyers are losing one of the few ways to save money on Nintendo titles. The eShop rarely offers deep discounts on first-party games, and with Gold Points gone, players can no longer rely on small savings from past purchases.
While physical game prices often drop over time at major retailers, digital versions stay at full price. Nintendo’s digital marketplace may feel more expensive than ever without a loyalty program.
Is Nintendo Following PlayStation and Xbox?
Nintendo’s decision to phase out discount programs mirrors a trend seen in the gaming industry. PlayStation and Xbox have also adjusted their pricing strategies, with many new games costing more than usual.
By removing these savings options, Nintendo could align itself with the competition. However, given that Nintendo’s games already held their value for years, this change may be especially frustrating for longtime fans.
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Should You Buy Switch Games Now?
If you’re thinking about picking up new Nintendo Switch games, now might be the best time. Since Gold Points can still be earned until March 24, 2025, every digital purchase before then still gives you a small discount on future buys.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on current sales. Some retailers offer solid discounts on popular Nintendo titles, making this a good moment to grab games you’ve been eyeing before prices become more rigid.
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What About Backward Compatibility?
One silver lining is that the Switch 2 is expected to be backward compatible, meaning your existing Switch library should work on the new console. This could make it worth stocking up on discounted Switch games now.
If you want to avoid paying higher prices later, grabbing discounted digital or physical Switch games before the new system launches could be smart. However, we’ll have to wait and see if Nintendo changes anything else before the Switch 2 arrives.
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Will Gamers Change How They Buy Nintendo Games?
With fewer ways to save, Nintendo fans might have to rethink their buying habits. Some players could start waiting longer for sales, while others may shift to physical copies, where prices drop more often.
This could also push more gamers toward secondhand markets, trading games instead of buying new ones at full price. If Nintendo doesn’t introduce new ways to save, will players adapt by being more selective with their purchases, or will they pay up and move on?
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Are There Any Other Ways to Save?
With Gold Points going away, Nintendo fans must look for new ways to save. Keeping an eye on seasonal sales and special promotions from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart will be key.
Another option is buying physical copies of games, which are often discounted more quickly than digital versions.
Want to know why handheld gaming is taking over? Check out why handhelds are the new gaming kings and why portable consoles steal the spotlight.
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Last updated: March 12, 2025
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