Nintendo has announced that it will soon end its Voucher service for digital game purchases on Nintendo Switch. This eliminates one of the few ways users had to save on first-party titles. The closure is scheduled for January 30, 2026, with a six-month period remaining to acquire new Vouchers. Players will be able to use the Vouchers for up to 12 months after purchase, as long as they haven't yet redeemed any games.
Created as a benefit of the Nintendo Switch Online service, the feature allowed subscribers to purchase two games for a fixed price, generating real savings for consumers. With the announcement of the program's end, players are concerned about the lack of alternatives to reduce the high prices charged on the eShop.
How Coupons Worked and Why They Were Advantageous
Currently available for R$579.00, Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers allow you to redeem two digital titles. This means each title can cost around R$289.50, while many new releases cost up to R$349.00 individually. In practice, savings can exceed R$100 depending on the game combination chosen.
Furthermore, the Coupons were valid for 12 months and could be redeemed at any time, as long as the user maintained an active subscription to the online service. The flexibility and ability to use them with future releases made the system an attractive option for frequent game buyers.
Nintendo doesn't announce a replacement and keeps prices high
Despite the closure, Nintendo has yet to offer a replacement for the benefit. The lack of a loyalty program or similar program worries consumers, especially as game prices continue to rise. Nintendo's decision makes it more difficult to access the company's catalog in markets like Brazil, where purchasing power is lower.
Meanwhile, titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remain priced between R$349.00 and R$499.90. And unlike competitors like PlayStation and Xbox, Nintendo doesn't have regular promotions or seasonal discounts.
What to do before the deadline
Players who still want to take advantage of Vouchers must purchase them by January 30, 2026. The functionality will be removed from the eShop after that date, but those who have already purchased Vouchers will be able to use them normally for another year. This means you can purchase Vouchers now and use them until January 2027, as long as you maintain an active Switch Online subscription during that period.
To avoid issues, it's important to check your subscription's validity and ensure it doesn't expire before using the Coupons, especially in the case of pre-orders. There have been reports of automatic cancellations when a user's plan ends before the release of the game purchased with the benefit.
