Understand how Nintendo Switch gold points work, a rewards program that converts purchases into discounts.
When purchasing a game on the Nintendo Switch eShop or on the website, gold points are earned after the transaction is finalized. These “coins” are part of the My Nintendo rewards program, they can be used to get discounts on new purchases in the store. Understand how to get, consult and use gold points.
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Nintendo Switch gold points (Image: Playback / Nintendo)
The gold points of the Nintendo Switch
Gold points or “coins” are part of the My Nintendo rewards program , which converts to the user part of the amount paid for the purchase of games as a future credit – it is something like Nintendo’s cashback .
In digital games, the credit is released instantly and can be used in the next purchase through the eShop. For physical cartridges, the redemption is made in the game’s options menu, on the Switch’s home screen (“+” button> My Nintendo rewards program> Get points).
How to know the points I will earn
The estimate of gold points to be received for a purchase is displayed on the game page in the eShop, below the amount to be paid for that game.
- Digital purchases yield approximately 5% of the value in gold points;
- Physical games yield approximately 1% of the value equivalent to digital media.
Estimated gold points for a purchase (Image: Lucas Lima / Tecnoblog)
Still for physical versions of the games, there is a limit of one year after the release of the software so that the redemption can be made. This rule applies to South America, North America and Australia – in Europe, the period is two years.
How to see how many points I already have
There are two ways to view the gold points accumulated on the Nintendo Switch. The first is through the My Nintendo website , using the same login as the account linked to the console. The second way to check the points is through the eShop menu:
- Access the eShop, on the Switch;
- Touch your avatar in the upper right corner;
- The points balance will appear under “Current points”.
In Brazil, each gold point is worth R $ 0.50. In a United States account, the points are worth a penny.
How to use the gold points on the Nintendo Switch
Gold points can be used on new purchases, to get a discount on the final value of the game. This discount is seen directly in the eShop.
- Access any title in the eShop;
- Select “Continue with purchase”;
- Above the credit card or eShop card option, choose the option “Exchange points”;
- Choose the amount of gold points you want to use when purchasing and tap “Next”;
- Complete the purchase to effect the discount.
Exchange gold points in the Nintendo Switch eShop (Image: Lucas Lima / Tecnoblog)
Although the Nintendo Switch does not have a region lock, it is important to remember that these points are “stuck” to the country in which it was obtained. Therefore, if you move an account from Brazil to the United States, for example, the points will not migrate to the other region. However, when they return to Brazil, they will still be there.
Do the points expire?
Yes, gold points are valid for 12 months.
Can I only use points to buy games?
Gold points can be used on almost any software on the Nintendo Switch, even on a Nintendo Switch Online subscription . However, it does not apply to automatic renewals, internal purchases or virtual currencies.
