Nintendo’s discounted Switch game vouchers are back

Nintendo’s Switch Online service has become a better deal over time, offering more benefits than just the ability to play games online. Along with getting access to SNES and NES classics, and cloud save saves (for most games, save a few dozen), Nintendo announced an even bigger perk yesterday: discounted game vouchers.

All subscribers can purchase a two-pack of these vouchers for $99.98, and a huge range of first-party (in other words, generally discount-averse) Nintendo games are bundled in. I encourage you to check out the full list, but some highlights include the all-new Fire Emblem Engage, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Metroid Dread, Splatoon 3, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Important Note: Both of you must be a subscriber to purchase and use these vouchers.

It’s great that this list is longer than Nintendo’s first swing at this deal in 2019. But this perk could actually turn Switch Online into a must-have service as it lets you pre-purchase up to four sets of vouchers. (totaling eight games), and keep them for 12 months from the date of purchase. With $20 in savings with each pair of vouchers, purchasing four bundles will save you up to $80, assuming each title normally costs $59.99. If you buy a lot of games, this is a smart way to save a little money on each future purchase.

I know what you might be thinking, “Can I use one on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?” Nintendo hasn’t currently listed the hilarious sequel to Breath of the Wild, which is slated for release on May 12, 2023. Polygon has reached out to Nintendo to see if it will eventually become eligible, but didn’t hear back in time for publication.

You can get a seven-day free trial for Switch Online here, and you can easily subscribe to the service directly from the Switch eShop (it costs $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months or 19, $99 per year). However, you can purchase (or gift) a one-year subscription with a digital code through Best Buy for $19.99. With a family subscription that costs $34.99 per year, up to eight Switch accounts can enjoy the benefits of Switch Online.

For gamers who want all the perks, access to Goldeneye 007 and other N64 and Sega Genesis games, and free DLC for select Switch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you’ll need Nintendo Switch Online plus tier Expansion Pack, which costs $49.99 per year for an account, or $79.99 per year for a family subscription.