Nintendo is set to end its game voucher program for the Switch on January 30, 2026. This program offered Switch Online members a way to save money on digital games, allowing them to purchase two vouchers for $99.98 and redeem them for eligible titles. After this date, players won’t be able to buy new vouchers, but any vouchers they already have will expire one year from the purchase date.
This voucher system, introduced in 2019, made it easier for gamers to save around $10 on popular games like Super Mario Party Jamboree and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which typically cost $59.99. However, players can’t use these vouchers for any games exclusive to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Still, there’s a workaround: gamers can use vouchers on first-gen games that will be enhanced for the new console, saving money upfront.
Nintendo plans to keep adding eligible titles until the program’s conclusion. However, it’s uncertain if they’ll introduce another savings method for the future, especially for new titles like the pricey Mario Kart World, which is expected to launch at $79.99.
Adding to the mix, Nintendo ended its My Nintendo Gold Points loyalty program in March. This change means players can no longer earn points from game purchases for discounts, limiting ways to save money on future buys.
Expert Insights
According to gaming industry analysts, the discontinuation of the voucher program reflects Nintendo’s strategy to shift focus to the Switch 2. As gaming costs rise, players are looking for ways to save money. Market research from 2023 shows that 63% of gamers express the importance of discounts in their purchasing decisions. This highlights a potential gap Nintendo may need to address to retain its loyal customer base.
User Reactions
Feedback on social media shows mixed feelings about the end of the voucher program. Some players are disappointed, while others say they expected changes with the new console on the horizon. Trending hashtags like #NintendoSwitchVouchers and #Switch2 have sparked discussions among the gaming community, illustrating a keen interest in what Nintendo’s next move will be.
In summary, the end of the game voucher program may seem like a loss for immediate savings, but it likely aligns with broader shifts in Nintendo’s business strategy as they prepare for the future.
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