Nintendo’s rewards program, Club Nintendo, is ending in just a few months’ time in both North America and Europe. Don’t panic, though: a replacement will be coming later on this year. In Nintendo of America’s words:
In order to focus on planning for a new customer loyalty program for our fans, we’ve decided to wind-down the Club Nintendo program. We are deeply thankful to our members for being a part of Club Nintendo for all of these years.
The schedule for North America shows that all products released after today, January 20th, won’t be eligible for registration on Club Nintendo. March 31 of this year will be the last day for fans to earn coins, register products, and sign up for a new Club Nintendo account. Club Nintendo will shut down completely on June 30 at 11:59 PM Pacific time; this will also be the last chance members have to spend their coins. Nintendo plans to release a large batch of physical rewards in February for members to spend their coins on. Additionally, members can download Flipnote Studio 3D for free in February.
Club Nintendo of Europe’s schedule stretches out a little longer through the year: starting April 1, registration cards will not be included with Nintendo products. April 20 is when digital games will no longer appear in the My Registered Games & Systems page. The program ends completely September 30. Members in Europe will be able to receive Flipnote Studio 3D for free once they sign up for the new program.
Club Nintendo began around 6 years ago in North America and December 2007 in Europe. Now that both regions are getting a new loyalty program, I have two questions for you: 1) what thoughts have you had on Club Nintendo over the years? and 2) what improvements or changes do you think are on the way later this year when Nintendo launches a new rewards program?
Thanks to David for the tip.
