Nintendo has announced the impending conclusion of its game voucher program, which has served as a notable benefit for subscribers to its Switch Online service since its launch in 2019. The initiative allowed users to purchase a pair of game vouchers for $100, redeemable for any two eligible games on Nintendo’s designated list. The vouchers offered substantial savings for players planning to buy first-party titles, including a potential $20 to $30 discount on popular games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
As of now, Switch Online subscribers can still acquire vouchers until the end of January 2026. Once purchased, these vouchers will be valid for redemption for up to a year. However, after this period, no new vouchers will be available for purchase.
It’s important to note that the vouchers were not applicable for games exclusive to the upcoming Switch 2, including titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. However, players could still utilize the vouchers for hybrid titles that have a separate Switch 2 edition. For example, one could purchase Tears of the Kingdom and subsequently upgrade to the Switch 2 version. Nintendo’s FAQ page also mentions that new games may be added to the eligibility list before the program’s end, which raises hopes for upcoming high-profile games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
The FAQ states, “Please check the current list of titles for which game vouchers can be redeemed. Upcoming titles are usually added when pre-orders start on Nintendo eShop.”
This voucher system has remained an attractive option for many Switch users, as Nintendo typically maintains a policy of full retail pricing for its games, regardless of their age or status as re-releases from previous consoles. For players looking to save on first-party Switch games, the vouchers represented one of the few reliable methods to do so.
The termination of this program aligns with Nintendo’s trend of pricing new Switch 2 games in the $70 to $80 range. This price bracket includes non-pack-in retail versions of popular forthcoming titles. Instead of adjusting the price of the vouchers or increasing their value to maintain discounts, Nintendo has opted to end the program entirely.
