Nintendo Points On Physical Games: Do You Get Them?

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Do You Get Nintendo Points for Buying Physical Games?

Hey there, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! Ever wondered if you snag those sweet Nintendo Points when you buy physical games? It's a question that pops up a lot, and the answer isn't always straightforward. So, let's dive into the world of Nintendo Points and physical game purchases to clear things up.

Understanding Nintendo Points

First off, let's talk about what Nintendo Points, now known as My Nintendo Gold Points, actually are. These points are basically Nintendo's way of rewarding you for engaging with their products and services. You can earn them in a few different ways, primarily through digital purchases on the Nintendo eShop. Once you've racked up enough points, you can redeem them for discounts on future digital game purchases, DLC, and other digital content. Think of it as a little cashback program for Nintendo fans!

How to Earn Nintendo Points

The most common way to earn My Nintendo Gold Points is by purchasing digital games directly from the Nintendo eShop. When you buy a digital title, a certain percentage of the purchase price is automatically credited to your Nintendo Account as Gold Points. The exact percentage can vary, but it's usually around 5% of the purchase price. So, if you buy a game for $60, you'd get about 300 Gold Points, which translates to $3 you can use towards your next eShop purchase. Pretty neat, huh? You can also earn points by purchasing Nintendo Switch Online memberships or other digital services.

Redeeming Your Gold Points

Redeeming your Gold Points is super easy. When you're browsing the Nintendo eShop and find a game or DLC you want to buy, just proceed to the checkout. During the checkout process, you'll see an option to apply your Gold Points to the purchase. The discount will be applied immediately, and you can complete your purchase with the reduced price. Keep in mind that Gold Points do have an expiration date, usually 12 months from the date they were earned, so make sure to use them before they disappear!

Physical Games and Nintendo Points: The Deal

Now, let's get to the main question: Do you get Nintendo Points for buying physical games? The short answer is: it's complicated, but mostly, no, you don't automatically get points for every physical game purchase. Unlike digital purchases, physical games don't automatically grant you Gold Points. However, there's a little trick that can get you some points, but it requires some extra steps and isn't always available.

The Redemption Card Method

Some physical Nintendo Switch games come with a special redemption card inserted in the game case. This card has a code that you can redeem on your Nintendo Switch to earn Gold Points. This is the only official way to earn Gold Points from physical games. It's like finding a golden ticket! The amount of points you get from these cards is typically a smaller percentage of the game's retail price compared to digital purchases, but hey, it's better than nothing, right?

How to Redeem a Redemption Card

If you're lucky enough to find a redemption card in your physical game, redeeming it is a piece of cake. Here's how:

  1. Find the Card: Open up your physical game case and look for a small card with a scratch-off area or a visible code.
  2. Scratch or Reveal the Code: If there's a scratch-off area, gently scratch it off to reveal the code. If the code is already visible, you're one step ahead.
  3. Go to the Nintendo eShop: Turn on your Nintendo Switch and go to the Nintendo eShop.
  4. Select "Enter Code": In the eShop menu, look for an option like "Enter Code" or "Redeem Code." Select it.
  5. Enter the Code: Type in the code from the redemption card exactly as it appears.
  6. Confirm: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the redemption. You should see a message confirming that you've received your Gold Points.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • Limited Time: Redemption cards usually have an expiration date. Make sure to redeem the code as soon as possible after purchasing the game to avoid missing out on the points.
  • Not All Games Include Cards: Not every physical Nintendo Switch game comes with a redemption card. It depends on the game and the region it was released in. Check the game case carefully to see if there's a card included.
  • Second-Hand Games: If you buy a used physical game, the redemption code may have already been used by the previous owner, so don't count on getting points from second-hand purchases.

Why No Automatic Points for Physical Games?

You might be wondering why Nintendo doesn't just automatically give you points for every physical game purchase like they do with digital games. There are a few reasons for this. One major factor is that physical games are sold through various retailers, not just directly through Nintendo. This makes it difficult for Nintendo to track and reward every purchase.

Another reason is that physical games have a different distribution model than digital games. With digital games, Nintendo has more control over the pricing and can easily allocate a percentage of the revenue to Gold Points. With physical games, retailers set their own prices, and Nintendo has less control over the profit margin. It's all about the Benjamins, baby! Giving points for every physical game would likely cut into their profits, so they rely on those occasional redemption cards instead.

Maximizing Your Nintendo Point Earnings

Okay, so you know that getting points from physical games isn't a sure thing. But don't worry, there are still plenty of ways to maximize your Nintendo Point earnings. Here are a few tips:

Buy Digital Whenever Possible

The easiest way to rack up Gold Points is to buy digital games directly from the Nintendo eShop. You'll automatically earn points with every purchase, and you can redeem them for discounts on future games. It's a win-win situation! Plus, digital games are super convenient – no more swapping cartridges!

Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online

A Nintendo Switch Online membership not only lets you play games online but also gives you access to a library of classic NES and SNES games. You can also earn Gold Points by purchasing or renewing your membership. Level up your gaming experience and your points balance! It's a fantastic deal, especially if you love retro games.

Keep an Eye Out for Special Promotions

Nintendo occasionally runs special promotions where you can earn bonus Gold Points on select games or purchases. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop and Nintendo's social media channels for announcements about these promotions. Timing is everything, guys! You might be able to snag some extra points just by buying a game during the promotion period.

Use Your Points Wisely

Don't let your Gold Points expire! Make sure to use them before they disappear. Plan your eShop purchases in advance and redeem your points to get the best possible discounts. Every penny counts, right? Plus, using your points makes those new games feel even sweeter.

Conclusion: The Physical Game Point Puzzle

So, do you get Nintendo Points for buying physical games? The answer is a qualified no. You don't automatically get points for every physical game purchase, but you might find a redemption card inside the game case that you can redeem for a small amount of points. To maximize your Nintendo Point earnings, focus on buying digital games, subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, and keeping an eye out for special promotions.

Happy gaming, and may your Nintendo Point balance always be in your favor! Game on, dudes! Hopefully, this clears up any confusion you had about earning points with physical games. Now go forth and conquer those digital worlds, armed with your newfound knowledge (and hopefully, a few extra Gold Points!).