What Do Nintendo Points Get You? A Comprehensive Guide
Nintendo Points, also known as My Nintendo Points, are a loyalty reward system that Nintendo offers to its customers. These points come in two primary forms: Gold Points and Platinum Points, each with unique earning methods and redemption possibilities. In essence, Nintendo Points allow you to save money on digital purchases, unlock in-game content, and even acquire physical rewards, enhancing your overall gaming experience and rewarding your engagement with the Nintendo ecosystem. Gold Points primarily function as a discount mechanism for digital purchases, while Platinum Points offer a wider range of rewards, including physical items. These points effectively act as a virtual currency that rewards you for spending, engaging and playing within the Nintendo ecosystem.
Understanding Gold Points
How to Earn Gold Points
Gold Points are generally earned through eligible digital and physical purchases for the Nintendo Switch.
- Digital Purchases: When you buy digital games, DLC, or Nintendo Switch Online memberships through the Nintendo eShop or the Nintendo website, you’ll automatically accrue Gold Points. The amount earned is typically a percentage of the purchase price – a standard example is 5% on most digital purchases (300 Gold points when purchasing an eligible game at $59.99 USD).
- Physical Purchases: Certain physical Nintendo Switch game cards, when registered, will also reward you with Gold Points. However, keep in mind that physical software for other Nintendo systems does not qualify for Gold Points.
- Nintendo New York Store: Purchases at the physical Nintendo New York store can also provide Gold Points.
How to Spend Gold Points
Gold Points can be redeemed for discounts towards eligible digital purchases on the Nintendo eShop or through the Nintendo website. The value is straightforward:
- 1 Gold Point is worth $0.01 USD (or CAD).
- For example, 300 Gold Points are equivalent to $3.00 USD/CAD, which can be applied towards a future digital purchase.
Gold Points can also be used toward purchasing Nintendo Switch Online memberships. Note that Gold Points cannot be used for physical items, passes, auto-renewals, in-game items, or virtual currency.
Gold Point Expiration
It’s crucial to note that Gold Points expire. They are valid until the last day of the month 12 months after you earned them. Therefore, it’s essential to use your points before they disappear.
Understanding Platinum Points
How to Earn Platinum Points
Platinum Points are earned through various actions, primarily interacting with Nintendo’s services and products:
- My Nintendo Missions: Completing various “missions” on the My Nintendo website and through Nintendo apps (such as downloading an app on your phone or completing in-game tasks) rewards you with Platinum Points.
- Nintendo Apps: Some Nintendo mobile games and apps offer opportunities to earn Platinum Points by completing in-app tasks.
- Nintendo Switch: You can earn platinum points through various Nintendo Switch activities and interacting with the console’s services.
How to Spend Platinum Points
Platinum Points offer a wider range of redemption options than Gold Points:
- Digital Rewards: You can redeem Platinum Points for download codes for digital titles, discounts on games, and even in-game items in mobile games.
- Physical Rewards: Platinum Points can be used to order physical My Nintendo rewards through the My Nintendo Store (physical items). These may include items such as keychains, stickers, and posters.
- Discounts: Certain discounts towards game purchases and other offers can be redeemed using Platinum Points.
Platinum Point Expiration
Similar to Gold Points, Platinum Points also expire. They are valid until the last day of the month 6 months after you earn them. It’s important to use them before they expire.
Nintendo Points: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is 1 Nintendo Gold Point worth?
Each Gold Point can be redeemed towards digital Nintendo Switch purchases at the following rate: $0.01 USD/CAD.
2. Do Nintendo Gold Points expire?
Yes, Gold Points are valid until the last day of the month, 12 months after you earn them.
3. Are My Nintendo rewards free?
Yes, My Nintendo rewards are free in the sense that you are using points earned through your activity within the Nintendo ecosystem to redeem them. You do not have to pay for the rewards themselves.
4. Can I buy games with Gold Points?
Yes, you can use Gold Points as payment towards eligible digital Nintendo Switch game and DLC purchases in the Nintendo Switch eShop and on the Nintendo website. This includes Nintendo Switch Online memberships.
5. Can you refund Nintendo points?
No. Rewards are non-refundable and cannot be returned or exchanged. Once a reward is redeemed using your points, that transaction is final.
6. Can you buy real things with Nintendo points?
Gold Points cannot be used to buy real physical items. However, Platinum Points can be used to purchase physical My Nintendo rewards through the My Nintendo store.
7. What do Platinum Points do?
Platinum Points can be used for download codes for digital titles, discounts on games, in-game items in mobile games, and to order physical My Nintendo rewards through the My Nintendo store.
8. Can I convert Platinum Points to Gold Points?
No, you cannot exchange one type of My Nintendo Points for another. For example, you cannot trade Gold Points for Platinum Points, or vice versa.
9. Does Nintendo save your card?
Yes, Nintendo Account members aged 18+ can save credit card information when adding funds or purchasing content. Only one credit card can be stored per account.
10. Does Club Nintendo still exist?
No, Club Nintendo was discontinued in 2015. It was replaced with Nintendo Account and My Nintendo.
11. Can I transfer Nintendo Gold Points?
No, you cannot transfer or sell My Nintendo Points between accounts, or combine them.
12. Do Platinum Nintendo points expire?
Yes, Platinum Points expire on the last day of the month 6 months after you earn them.
13. How do I claim My Nintendo Platinum Points rewards?
To claim Platinum Points rewards:
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account.
- Redeem your Platinum Points for the item you want.
- Select “Access Now” to go to the store.nintendo.com.
- Add the item to your cart.
- Enter the redemption code provided.
14. How much is 2000 Wii points worth?
2000 Wii points cost $20 USD (most commonly found in retail stores). This is no longer applicable as the Wii Shop Channel has been discontinued.
15. Do I get Nintendo points for buying a switch console?
No, you do not get Nintendo Points for buying a Switch console. You only get points for digital game or DLC purchases and for registering physical game cards.
Conclusion
Nintendo Points, both Gold and Platinum, provide a fantastic way to enhance your gaming experience. By understanding how to earn and redeem these points, you can save money on digital purchases, unlock exclusive in-game content, and acquire unique physical rewards. With some planning and awareness of the expiration dates, you can maximize the benefits of the My Nintendo program and get the most out of your engagement with Nintendo products and services. Take full advantage of these loyalty programs to get more from the Nintendo ecosystem.