Nintendo to End Game Vouchers Service by 2026

Key Takeaways

1. Nintendo will stop the Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers service on January 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
2. Users can no longer purchase vouchers after the service ends; vouchers allow savings on first-party games.
3. Unused vouchers will expire 12 months after purchase, with no current plans for a new service for Switch 2 games.
4. My Nintendo Gold Points will no longer be earned for digital purchases starting March 24, 2025, but can still be earned for physical titles for up to one year.
5. Nintendo’s pricing strategy includes raising some first-party game prices to $80, amidst increasing gaming costs and potential new discount programs.

Nintendo has revealed that it will be stopping its Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers service at the beginning of 2026. The company stated that the service will conclude on January 30, 2026, after which users will no longer be able to buy the vouchers.

Official Announcement

In a notice on their support page, Nintendo specified:

“As of 11:59 PM Pacific Time January 30, 2026, it will no longer be possible to purchase Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers.”

The Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers allowed gamers to buy two vouchers for $99.99. These vouchers could be redeemed for first-party Switch games, helping users save a significant amount compared to buying the games separately, either digitally or physically. For instance, by purchasing two $60 games, users could save $20.

Vouchers and Expiration

Nintendo has stated that any unused vouchers will become invalid after 12 months, but there is no information yet on whether a new service for Switch 2 games will be introduced. According to Nintendo:

“Game vouchers remain valid for 12 months from purchase. For example, if a set of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers is purchased on January 30, 2026, each Nintendo Game Voucher remains valid until January 30, 2027.”

The My Nintendo Gold Points program was introduced when the original Switch was launched back in 2017. For every dollar spent on a digital purchase, users earned one point, which could then be exchanged for discounts on Nintendo games.

Changes to Gold Points

On March 24, 2025, Nintendo stopped the ability to earn My Nintendo Gold Points for digital purchases made through the eShop and via download codes. However, players can still earn Gold Points for up to one year after a physical title is released. Those who have Gold Points can redeem them for discounts until March 24, 2026.

This change occurs at a time when the cost of gaming is increasing significantly. Nintendo might be considering a new discount program. Conversely, the company is also recognized for its reluctance to provide discounts on its first-party titles, even as it has raised prices for select games to the $80 mark, establishing a new trend in the industry.

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