Redmond-based Nintendo is ending Club Nintendo, a rewards program that gives members downloadable games and Nintendo gear in exchange for Coins they earn by completing surveys and registering products.
The company won’t shut off Club Nintendo right away. Nintendo announced that members in the U.S. and Canada could still earn Coins through the end of March and can use them through the end of June. The company also plans to announce a new loyalty program at a later date: “We want to make this time of transition as easy as possible for our loyal Club Nintendo members, so we are going to add dozens of new rewards and downloadable games to help members clear out their Coin balances,” the release stated.
To make the transition even easier, the company is also offering members Flipnote Studio 3D, which lets users create 3D animations and exchange creations with other users, in a free download starting in February. Club Nintendo registration will shut down March 31, but anyone who registers by then can receive the free Flipnote Studio 3D through the end of June.
We’ve reached out for comment as to why the company is ending Club Nintendo and starting a new program. Nintendo of America sent us this update: “We’re always looking for fun ways to engage with our fans. After more than six years, the Club Nintendo program has run its course and accomplished its goal of rewarding our most loyal fans with games and items. We appreciate our fans for participating in the Club Nintendo program. Nintendo of America will be announcing a new customer loyalty program at a later date.”
