Nintendo is making significant changes that could impact millions of players as it gears up for the launch of the eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. In a recent announcement, the company revealed that it will be discontinuing two major benefits for Switch users: the 'bons pour jeux' (game vouchers) and the Gold Points system.
Initially, the Gold Points program, which has allowed players to earn points with each purchase of physical or digital games on the Nintendo eShop, is set to come to an end in March 2025. These points could previously be converted into discounts on future purchases, providing a small but appreciated savings for avid gamers.
As the countdown to the Switch 2 drew closer, Nintendo confirmed that the 'bons pour jeux,' a popular offer letting players buy two major digital Nintendo titles for a preferential rate of 99 euros instead of the usual 119.98 euros, will also be discontinued. As reported by Nintendo, these vouchers will not be valid on the upcoming Switch 2, leaving players with unanswered questions about the future of both the voucher system and pricing strategies.
The 'bons pour jeux' allowed players to enjoy popular titles like Super Mario, Zelda, and Xenoblade for a reduced cost, making it a key financial incentive for many. However, Nintendo has clearly stated that while these vouchers will remain valid for one year from the purchase date, they will only be applicable to the current Nintendo Switch console.
This decision is raising eyebrows among fans who relied on these discounts to build their game libraries without breaking the bank. As the current generation of consoles approaches its twilight, it seems Nintendo is eager to reset its offerings alongside the launch of the Switch 2, but the nature of any new benefits remains a mystery.
By announcing these changes, Nintendo also hints at a shift in strategy as it prepares for its next-gen console to hit the market. The company has sold over 140 million units of the original Switch since its release in 2017, but players are anticipating more from its successor. Given the increasing demands placed on consoles by modern gaming and the rapid evolution of tech, it is no surprise that players are curious about how these changes might reflect a broader rethinking of Nintendo's value proposition.
As fans brace themselves for what lies ahead, many are looking toward the upcoming Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, 2025, for further updates. Will Nintendo introduce a new benefits program tailored to the Switch 2? Could there be other hidden advantages that the company is preparing for its players? These are the questions on many gamers' minds as they await answers.
In a recent message on its official site, Nintendo stated, "Les bons sont valables pendant un an à compter de leur date d'achat" (The vouchers are valid for one year from their purchase date), emphasizing the limited window players have to utilize these vouchers before they become obsolete.
As this critical moment in gaming history unfolds, Nintendo faces the challenging task of balancing nostalgia for its current gaming system with the innovations expected with the new console’s launch. Sure, this change could frustrate devoted players seeking continuity in cost-effective gaming options, but it also signals the potential for new offers that could align with the anticipated pricing models of next-gen games.
Please stay tuned as Nintendo unveils its plans during the Nintendo Direct event – a showcase that could very well serve as a pivotal turning point. Fans globally are hopeful for clarity on how Nintendo intends to keep its players engaged while introducing the next chapter in its storied gaming legacy.
