It looks like Nintendo's game vouchers are returning to North America for the first time in four years

Nintendo Switch game vouchers
(Image credit: Nintendo/teebeeYT on Twitter)

It looks like Nintendo intends to bring back its game voucher program in North America for the first time in four years, and the leaked announcement video has fans once again desperate for confirmation of a February Nintendo Direct.

A video detailing the return of Nintendo Switch game vouchers in North America was briefly listed on the official Nintendo YouTube account last night. As with the previous iteration, the program would allow Nintendo Switch Online members to purchase a pair of game vouchers for $100 USD, which could then be redeemed for "select" digital Switch games. This option has been available in other regions for some time, but the North American voucher system was previously shut down in 2019.

In practical terms, these vouchers would let you get two $60 first-party Switch games for $100, saving $20 off the normal purchase price. Given how rarely Nintendo-published games see major discounts, it's a decent deal, especially since it can often be used on pre-orders. The leaked video, which fans quickly archived, shows upcoming Switch games like Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe and Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon.

The added effect of this leak is that it's adding fuel to the fires of speculation for fans who have already been hungry for a Nintendo Direct. There's been a Nintendo Direct every February for the past four years, so the speculation isn't even as wild as usual, but Nintendo has made no official announcements regarding a presentation. I guess it is about time we started hearing more about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

A new report suggests Nintendo, as well as Sony and Microsoft, will not have a physical presence at E3 this year.

Dustin Bailey
Staff Writer

Dustin Bailey joined the GamesRadar team as a Staff Writer in May 2022, and is currently based in Missouri. He's been covering games (with occasional dalliances in the worlds of anime and pro wrestling) since 2015, first as a freelancer, then as a news writer at PCGamesN for nearly five years. His love for games was sparked somewhere between Metal Gear Solid 2 and Knights of the Old Republic, and these days you can usually find him splitting his entertainment time between retro gaming, the latest big action-adventure title, or a long haul in American Truck Simulator.

Read more
A screenshot from Super Mario Odyssey showing Mario throwing Cappy in New Donk City.
As Nintendo remains quiet on Switch 2 lineup, retailer lists "New 3D Mario" and "Legend of Zelda Remake/Remaster" under 2025 games
Nintendo Switch 2 controller slot
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Everything we know so far about the April reveal showcase
Nintendo Switch 2 controllers by console
Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tickets are non-transferable, but that hasn't stopped scalpers from trying to pawn them off for up to $900
Nintendo Switch 2 experience logo
Nintendo Switch 2 Experience: Dates, locations, and how to register for a ticket
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 is coming this year, with a full Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in April
Photo of the OLED Tears of the Kingdom Switch sitting on top of the LCD Switch with the Skyward Sword HD Joy-Cons attached.
Nintendo Switch 2 reveal reportedly coming this week ahead of June launch
Latest in Games
Metaphor: ReFantazio's protagonist smiles at his fairy companion, Gallica in an anime-style cutscene.
After dominating 2024 with Sonic, Persona, Yakuza, and Metaphor, Sega is the first company to become the year's best-rated publisher 3 times
Ultima Online
As Ultima Online approaches its 28th birthday, former creative lead reveals what it takes for an MMO to last for decades, and why they sometimes fail: "Content does not last forever"
The player in Monster Hunter Wilds firing a ranged weapon at three large, furry, buffalo-lion hybrid monsters.
The best Monster Hunter Wilds mods and how to install them
Link and Epona
A Zelda movie is finally happening, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto used to adamantly oppose the idea even "if Steven Spielberg himself" wanted to do it
Stardew Valley
With another "thank you," Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone brings an update arc to a close with "the Switch patch to fix the last Switch patch"
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds' story is as divisive as expected: some players hate the "relentless on rails handholding," others love the build-up to "the best scene in Monster Hunter history"
Latest in News
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil's Charlie Cox breaks silence on Born Again killing off the "heartbeat of the MCU": "You have to have a reason for remaking the show"
Metaphor: ReFantazio's protagonist smiles at his fairy companion, Gallica in an anime-style cutscene.
After dominating 2024 with Sonic, Persona, Yakuza, and Metaphor, Sega is the first company to become the year's best-rated publisher 3 times
Harrison Ford as the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World
“The reveal was a big mistake”: MCU fans pick the twists they wish Marvel movie trailers didn’t spoil beforehand
Ultima Online
As Ultima Online approaches its 28th birthday, former creative lead reveals what it takes for an MMO to last for decades, and why they sometimes fail: "Content does not last forever"
Link and Epona
A Zelda movie is finally happening, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto used to adamantly oppose the idea even "if Steven Spielberg himself" wanted to do it
Robert Downey Jr announces his Doctor Doom casting at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
"He is so dialed in": Robert Downey Jr. is coming up with backstory and costume ideas for Doctor Doom ahead of Avengers: Doomsday