Alex and Justin face off once again to judge the merits of this year's new rewards.
Another year means another series of Club Nintendo Platinum and Gold rewards. Previous years offered a mixture of physical and digital options, but in 2014, Club Nintendo awarded its users exclusively with digital game options. A big change always results in a big reaction, with opinions ranging from this being the very best offering in the promotion's history to the very worst.
Previews Editor Alex Culafi and Features Editor Justin Berube have two of these big reactions, and ended up writing two opposing opinion pieces on the matter (without knowledge that the other was working on theirs).
Who do you agree with? Are you excited about Club Nintendo's digital future or repulsed by it? Sound off in the comments below.
The gold gifts were insulting. The Platinum had retail and that was fine, but even then we could have been offered better. If Nintendo is just going to go full on digital, just let us choose what game we want instead of presenting us with a list of stuff. This way, almost everyone gets what they want. Donkey Kong Country wasn’t exactly the one game I’ve really been wanting, but I’m happy with it. I would have much rather preferred to have got Animal Crossing New Leaf or Kirby Triple Deluxe though.Not sure what happened there.
I would have much rather preferred to have got Animal Crossing New Leaf or Kirby Triple Deluxe though.
Donkey Kong: Original Edition - 3DS or Wii VC
Previously only available when you purchased a select 3DS download title (in US) or the Red Wii (in EU). Features the "Pie Factory" level that was removed from the initial NES Release.
Mario Bros.: Original Edition - 3DS or Wii VC
This one would require a little bit of effort - it's a more better version of the arcade port - it was only released on the FDS in Japan and had a physical release on the NES in EU.
Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary Edition - Wii VC
Previously only available when you purchased a Red Wii in Japan. Has all the ? Blocks replaced with blocks that have the number 25 on them.
Doc Louis' Punch-Out!! - WiiWare
Previously only offered as a 2009 Club Nintendo Platinum reward. Lets you fight Doc Louis.
Grill Off with Ultra Hand - WiiWare
Previously only offered as a general Club Nintendo reward. Features a digital version of Nintendo's classic "Ultra Hand" toy.
Devil World - 3DS or Wii U VC
Never before released in the US. Released on both the 3DS and Wii U VC in Japan and the 3DS VC in Europe.
Any of the ten GBA Ambassador Titles - 3DS
Previously only available for individuals who bought the 3DS before the first initial price drop.
Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition - DSiWare
Previously only available during one of two select time periods where it was given away for free.
Nintendo Video Downloads (Dinosaur Office Remix, Kirby 3D, Meat or Die) - 3DS
Each has been given away as downloads during Nintendo Video contests.
It's not unique, in fact it sort of asks to be compared to PSN and Sony since they give away digital games on a more regular basis .
1. Nintendo is rewarding people by giving them the very thing they need to buy in order to earn these rewards.
2. The rewards aren’t special. In the past all the physical rewards Nintendo has sent members have been unique and only available through the program. This time Nintendo is giving something that is available to anyone.
3. The rewards aren’t that valuable. I can get almost anything here for under $14.99 on the eShop. The exceptions here are Game & Wario and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. Again, I already own both.
If they wanted to do what they did in Japan with Advance Wars they should have gone all-out and given us Zangeki no Reginlev.
I like getting free stuff. I'll take it.
It would be nice if the people who already have all the downloads could contact Nintendo to work something out.
Another way they could give out a game no one in America played is with Excitebots.
Ay Shaymin, you gotta get Grill Off With Ultra Handtm. It's...well, you see. it's... ... It's a thing. You should totally get it.Another way they could give out a game no one in America played is with Excitebots.
Based on the sales of Game and Wario, they pretty much did that with a Wii U game.
Also, just wanna point out that as of right now, Ultra Hand is actually the most appealing (to me) coin reward they have on Club Nintendo right now. It's STILL THERE.
AgreeAy Shaymin, you gotta get Grill Off With Ultra Handtm. It's...well, you see. it's... ... It's a thing. You should totally get it.Another way they could give out a game no one in America played is with Excitebots.
Based on the sales of Game and Wario, they pretty much did that with a Wii U game.
Also, just wanna point out that as of right now, Ultra Hand is actually the most appealing (to me) coin reward they have on Club Nintendo right now. It's STILL THERE.
Ay Shaymin, you gotta get Grill Off With Ultra Handtm. It's...well, you see. it's... ... It's a thing. You should totally get it.