Nintendo is discontinuing its Switch Game Vouchers program, which currently lets Nintendo Switch Online members buy Switch 1 titles at a discount.
In a detailed FAQ published today, the company confirmed that the Switch Game Vouchers will end on January 30, 2026 — giving subscribers roughly six months to purchase additional vouchers if they wish.
Although no official reason was provided for ending the program, the move follows Nintendo's decision to exclude Switch 2 games from voucher redemptions, as well as the release of its first $80 title, Mario Kart World.
The Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers were first launched in 2019, offering members a fixed price for two Nintendo Switch games purchased within a one-year period. In the UK, this price is set at £84, bringing the average cost per game to £42.
That amounts to an £8 saving compared to the typical £50 retail price for a Switch game — and an even bigger discount on selected 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.
Even though Nintendo has not extended the voucher program to Switch 2 games, players have discovered they can still use vouchers to buy the original Switch 1 versions of titles that offer paid Switch 2 upgrades — like Zelda: Breath of the Wild — providing a more affordable way to access those games as well.
For example, Switch 2 owners can purchase a pair of Switch Game Vouchers and redeem them for cross-gen releases such as Metroid Prime: Beyond or the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to launch in October. While Z-A is priced at the standard £50 for Switch 1, the Switch 2 Edition costs £60. By buying the Switch 1 version with a voucher, players can save £8, then simply pay the £10 upgrade fee to get the Switch 2 Edition.
As always, Switch Game Vouchers must be redeemed within 12 months of purchase. However, Nintendo has stated that new Switch titles will continue being added to the voucher catalog throughout 2026.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa recently indicated that the company is exploring shorter development cycles for certain games to help control costs and avoid pricing titles too high.
