Nintendo Ends Cost-Saving Switch Game Voucher Program
Nintendo is discontinuing its Switch Game Voucher program, a benefit that lets Nintendo Switch Online members purchase first-generation Switch games at a discounted rate.
In a detailed FAQ published today, the company announced the vouchers will be retired as of January 30, 2026—giving subscribers roughly six months to make any final purchases.
Nintendo has not given a specific reason for ending the program. The decision follows the company's move to exclude Switch 2 software from voucher redemptions and comes after the launch of its first $80 title, Mario Kart World.
Originally launched in 2019, Switch Game Vouchers allow members to buy two eligible Switch games within a year for a fixed price. In the UK, that price is £84, bringing the average cost per game to £42.
This typically saves buyers £8 per game compared to the standard £50 retail price. The savings are even greater on select titles priced at £60, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Although vouchers cannot be used for Switch 2 games, players have discovered they can still purchase the original Switch 1 versions of titles that offer paid upgrades to Switch 2 editions—like Zelda: Breath of the Wild—providing a cheaper path to owning the enhanced versions.
For instance, Switch 2 owners can buy a pair of vouchers and redeem them for cross-generational games such as Metroid Prime: Beyond or the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for release in October. Z-A is priced at £50 for the Switch 1 version and £60 for the Switch 2 Edition. Using a voucher saves £8 on the Switch 1 edition; players can then pay a £10 upgrade fee to access the Switch 2 Edition.
As always, Switch Game Vouchers must be redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Nintendo has stated that new Switch titles will continue to be added to the voucher catalog throughout 2026.
Recently, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned the company is exploring shorter development cycles for some projects to help control costs and avoid excessively high game prices.
