Club Nintendo Deals ~ New Games Up (11/17-12/14)

[MrNinjaSquirrel]

Any info for missing or inaccurate additions is very much appreciated; a big thanks to all that have contributed!
 

  
 
Current Promos
N/A

E-Shop Game Rewards
Spend coins to receive a download code redeemable through the Wii Virtual Console or 3DS E-Shop.
Current batch for November 17th-December 14th:

• Pilot Wings - 200
• Vegas Stakes - 200
• Clu Clu Land - 200
• Picturebook: Pop-Up Pursuit - 250
• Tokyo Crash Mobs- 200
•  Kirby's Pinball Land - 150
•  Metroid II: Return of Samus - 150
•  Starship Defense - 200

[customspoiler="What to do if you lose your code"]
If you lost the email you can still retrieve the code.
 
Go to your Club Nintendo account page and open the "Order Inquiries" tab. Find the order number for your download
Finally, go to this page: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/lookup/orders/lookupSupportOrder.do and fill in the form (choose "part", not "repair").
 
-Info courtesy of Teeg
[/customspoiler]

Past E-Shop and Virtual Console Games
[customspoiler=Show]
 
[customspoiler="October 2014"]
 Wrecking Crew - 200
 Kirby's Dream Course - 200
 Zoda's Revenge - 200
 Maboshi's Arcade - 200
 Kersploosh - 150
 Brain Age Express Math - 200
 3D Classics - Kid Icarus - 200
 Donkey Kong - 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="September 2014"]
Mario Bros. (Wii U) - 200
Super Punch-Out!! - 250
NES Play Action Football - 200
Super Mario Bros. - 200
The Legend of Zelda - 200
Touch Solitaire - 150
Art Style: PiCTOBiTS - 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="August 2014"]
 Super Mario Bros 2 - 200
 Excitebike - 200
 /    Star Fox 64 - 250
 /    Vegas Stakes  - 250
 Baseball - 150
 Puzzle League Express - 200
 Mario Golf - 200
 Dr. Mario™ Express - 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="July 2014"]
 Kid Icarus 3D Classic - 200
 Metal Torrent - 200
 Donkey Kong Jr. - 200
 /    Paper Mario - 250[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="June 2014"]
 Electroplankton Rec-Rec - 150
 Kirby's Dreamland - 150
 Kirby's Adventure - 200
 /   Mario Party 2 - 250[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="May 2014"]
 Super Metroid - 200
 /   Mario Kart 64 - 250
 Kirby's Adventure 3D classics - 200
 Brain Age: Arts & Letters - 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="April 2014"]
 Trajectile - 200
 Art Academy: First Semester - 200
 Super Mario World - 200
 /   Mario Golf - 250[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="March 2014"]
 Kid Icarus of Myths and Monsters - 150
 Number Battle - 200
 Yoshi - 200
 /   Bonsai Barber - 250[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="February 2014"]
 Donkey Kong Jr. - 150
 Art Style: PiCTOBiTS - 150
 Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream - 200
 Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars - 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="January 2014"]
 Game & Watch: Cement Factory - 100
 Spin Six - 150
 F-Zero  (Wii U version) - 200
 1080 Snowboarding (Wii Version) - 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="December 2013"]
 Super Mario 2 Lost Levels - 150
 Balloon Fight - 200
 Mario's Picross - 100
 Starship Defense - 150[/customspoiler] 
[customspoiler="November 2013"]
 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past ~ 150
 Art Style: Cubello ~ 150
 Metroid ~ 150 
 Dillon's Rolling Western ~ 200[/customspoiler] 
[customspoiler="October 2013"]
 Touch Solitaire ~ 100
 The Legend of Zelda ~ 150
 ThruSpace ~ 150
 Mario Kart (SNES) ~ 150[/customspoiler] 
[customspoiler="September 2013"]
 Art Academy: First Semester ~ 150
 Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again ~ 150
 Pilotwings ~ 150
 Zoda's Revenge: Star Tropics II ~ 150[/customspoiler] 
[customspoiler="August 2013"]
 Mario Golf ~ 150
 Brain Age Express: Sudoku ~ 150
 Wario's Woods ~ 150
 NES Play Action Football ~ 150[/customspoiler] 
[customspoiler="July 2013"]
Aura-Aura Climber ~ 100
Donkey Kong (Gameboy) ~ 100
Super Punch Out!! ~ 150
Star Fox 64 ~ 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="June 2013"]
Metroid II: Return of Samus ~ 150
Link 'n' Launch ~ 150
Super Mario Bros. 3 ~ 150
F-Zero X ~ 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="May 2013"]
3D Classics: Excitebike ~ 150
Art Style: Aquia ~ 100
Maboshi's Arcade ~ 150
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars ~ 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="April 2013"]
Kirby's Pinball Land ~ 150
3D Classics: Urban Champion ~ 150
Super Metroid ~ 150
Super Mario 64 ~ 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="March 2013"]
Super Punch Out! ~ 150
Mario Tennis 64 ~ 150
Starship Defense ~ 150
Kid Icarus 3D Classic ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="February 2013"]
Kirby Super Star ~150
Paper Mario 64 ~ 200
Metal Torrent ~ 150
Birds and Beans ~ 100[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="January 2013"]
Snowpack Park ~ 150
Mario Kart 64 ~ 200
Tetris ~ 150
Punch Out!! featuring Mr. Dream ~ 200[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="December 2012"]
Mario Party 2 ~ 150
1080 ~ 150
3D Classics TwinBee ~150
Metroid II ~ 150
Brain Age Express: Sudoku ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="November 2012"]
ThruSpace ~ 150
Art Style Rotozoa ~ 100
Touch Solitaire ~ 100
Mario's Picross ~ 100[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="October 2012"]
Super Punch Out!! ~ 150
Dr. Mario Online Rx ~ 100
Pro-Putt Domo ~ 100
3D Classics: Urban Champion ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="September 2012"]
Pop Up Pursuit ~ 150
Super Smash Bros. (N64) ~ 200
Bird and Beans ~ 100
Art Academy: First Semester ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="August 2012"]
Play Action Football ~ 100
Fluidity ~ 150
Tennis ~ 150
3D Classics: Excitebike ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="July 2012"]
Bonsai Barber ~ 150
Mario Tennis ~ 150
Golf ~ 150
Starship Defense ~ 150
Electroplankton ~ 100[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="June 2012"]
Maboshi's Arcade ~ 150
Kirby Super Star ~ 150
Brain Age Express: Sudoku ~ 150
Donkey Kong Mayhem (100 levels) ~ 100[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="May 2012"]
Eco Shooter: Plant 530 ~ 200
Snowpack Park ~ 150
3D Classics: Urban Champion ~ 150
ArtStyle: Pictobits ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="April 2012"]
Excitebike World Rally ~ 200
You, Me, and the Cubes ~ 200
Metal Torrent ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="March 2012"]
Art Style: Cubello ~ 100
Radar Mission ~ 100
Mario's Picross ~ 100[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="February 2012"]
Mario Party 2 ~ 150
Art Academy First Semester ~ 150[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="January 2012"]
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask ~ 150
Dr. Mario Online ~ 100
Dr. Mario Express ~ 150
Kirby's Dreamland (Gameboy) ~ 100[/customspoiler]
[customspoiler="December 2011"]
Fluidity ~ 150
Super Mario Kart ~ 100
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Minis March Again ~ 150
3D Classics: Xevious ~ 100[/customspoiler][/customspoiler]
 
Intend to Buy Surveys
Receive +10 bonus coins when you register these games in future.
Hello Kitty & Sanrio Friends, Racing - expires Nov 4
Sonic Boom -  expires Nov 4
Tetris Ultimate -  expires Nov 4
Disney Planes, Fire & Rescue - expires Oct 28

Winx Club, Saving Alfea - expires Oct 21
Bayonetta 2 - expires Oct 17
Fantasy Life - expires Oct 17

Pokémon Art Academy -  expires Oct 17
Harvest Moon, The Lost Valley - expires Oct 14



New Release Surveys
Receive +10 bonus coins by filling out these bonus surveys within four weeks of a game's launch.
Super Smash Bros. - expires Nov 2
Hyrule Warriors - expires Oct 26
Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appétit! - expires Oct 16
THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL - expires Oct 16

Gold and Platinum Rewards
Reward are announced after the Club Nintendo year ends on June 30th for those that reach Gold or Platinum status.
 
2014 Platinum Rewards

• Game & Wario
• NES Remix
• EarthBound
• Dr. Luigi
• Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
• Fluidity: Spin Cycle
• Dillon's Rolling Western
• Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move

2014 Gold Rewards

• Ice Climber
• Kid Icarus
• Super Mario Bros. 
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
• Donkey Kong 3
• Wario Land 2
• Metroid
• Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Gold Rewards
[customspoiler="Previous Years"]

• 2013 - Nintendo Calender OR Free Downloadable Game. Options included:Super Smash Bros. (Wii Virtual Console)
• Warioware D.I.Y. Showcase (WiiWare)
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (3DS Virtual Console)
• Super Mario Land (3DS Virtual Console)
• Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (3DS E-Shop)

[*]2012- Nintendo Calender OR Free Downloadable Game. Options included:

• Super Mario Kart
• Metroid II: Return of Samus
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again
• The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

[*]2009-2011 - Nintendo Calender
[/customspoiler]
Platinum Rewards
[customspoiler="Previous Years"]

• 2013 - Choice of one of the following:Three Poster Set (Zelda, Luigi, and Pikmin)
• Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask OST

[*]2012 - Club Nintendo Poster Set OR Platinum Playing Cards
[*]2011 - Mario & Friends Pin Badge Collection
[*]​2010 - Club Nintendo Figurine (Came in "?" Block Box)
[*]2009 - Doc Louis's Punch-Out!! OR Club Nintendo Mario Plush Hat
[/customspoiler]
 
[customspoiler=Basic FAQ]
-Basic Info/Overview
For those that don't know Club Nintendo is Nintendo's loyalty program of sorts. When you buy a Nintendo Console/Handheld, or a Nintendo published game, you get a pin that you can enter online to earn points. These points can then be redeemed for games, accesories, and collectable items. If you earn enough points in a Club year (300 for gold and 600 for platinum, which each have their own reward), you also receive a free bonus only available to a select few. You can read the full list of eligible titles, as well as their point value, here.

-How do I get coins for digital purchases?
In order to earn coins on any digital games you purchase on Wii/WiiU/3DS/DSi, you will first need to link you Club Nintendo account to your system. Instruction for doing so can be found here.

-Can I play the Wii games on my Wii-U?
Yes, but as of now, only in Wii mode. Native Wii U support might be added later on, but will most likely require the typical $1-$1.50 fee to transfer over.

-How do I play Wii games on Wii U
You will need to enter Wii mode on your Wii U. Instructions on doing so can be found http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wiiu/en_na/features_wii_menu.jsp?menu=wii_shop&submenu=wup-wiishop-ht-redeem-code"]here[/url].

- If I don't spend coins for the entire year long period, do they carry over?
Yes, you can keep your coins past the Club Nintendo year they are redeemed in. However they only count toward gold or platinum status for the Nintendo year (june 31st-july 1st) they are redeemed in. After two years old points do expire, so make sure to spend them before then. You can check Coin balance information while, logged in, at the top of the page.

- Is there a list of previous rewards for people who accumulated a lot of coins? Similar to Square Enix's Ultimate Tier?
The extra rewards for Club Nintendo are for those that accumulate enough points to hit Gold or Platinum status (300 and 600 points, respectively). If you reach the required number of points in a year, Nintendo will automatically send you your reward, with no cost to you or your points.

- Does the list of eligible games update as the games come out or on some sort of schedule?
The list will be updated before the game comes out, do to things like Pre-Purchase bonus points. Any game you can buy, should already be on the list and able to redeem.

- When do they typically announce the prizes for Gold and Platinum?
Generally at the end of a Club Nintendo year, but don't expect it anytime soon. Usually it will take at least several months for them to ship it out.

- Is there anyway to enter multiple copies of the same game or device?
They have an option in the settings to make your account a family account, which means it can have sub-accounts that allows you to register multiple copies of games. The coins from all the sub-accounts all end up in the same main account coin collection.

- How does the site show what balance of coins you have to spend versus your total towards Gold/Platinum?
At the top right of the screen you can see the coin counter. The big number is your total coin amount, and the bar underneath is your progress to gold or platinum status. The number needed to advance is displayed directly above said bar. Redeeming your coins does not affect this counter, as it is only reset at the end of the year.

- How can I tell if a code is valid without redeeming it?
If you want to check if a code has already been registered, without registering it yourself, all you need to do is try entering the code while you are logged out. It will tell you the name of the game, as well as how many points it is worth, without activating it.[/customspoiler]

Let me know if I missed anything or if something breaks!

 

[XwaitXwhatX]

Took kid icarus might grab brain age too anyone played that? Feed back?

 

[Bizarrosfne]

I might get the Kirby game just to get ddp points and try it, but the rest is crap. Man Nintendo, CN has really gone downhill. I want some physical items!

 

[RoytheRobot]

Been a reward before but it's a lot better than I would have expected.



Pretty good, and hard, and another repeat.

I know it was a repeat. I missed it last time, but I might get it just to spend the coins.

 

[O_o]

Donkey Kong '94? yes, definitely getting that.

And Maboshi's Arcade is pretty fun.

 

[amusedtoe]

I know it was a repeat. I missed it last time, but I might get it just to spend the coins.

Yeah much like when I passed on Zelda the last time and then everything was crap for two or three months I regret not just spending the coins on it again.

 

[mokmoof]

That's actually pretty awesome. Gonna get this. Thanks

Yeah, the main image on the Rewards page is of the NES Donkey Kong, but the game does seem to be '94. I'm down. I love that game.

 

[shivan128]

Little heads up, the 3DS Donkey Kong title seems to be Donkey Kong '94 (GB). Been wanting to get that since forever.

Edit: Redeemed mine, it is '94.

Thanks, I thought it was the NES DK. I picked this version up. That just means this month's offerings were only slightly less disappointing.

 

[plus1zero]

94' DK? Oh well that is good news.

 

[PDJ]

I might get the Kirby game just to get ddp points and try it, but the rest is crap. Man Nintendo, CN has really gone downhill. I want some physical items!

Star Tropics is NOT CRAP. Shame on you. Although the second game isn't as good as the first, it definitely has it's own charm. Picked that baby up, can't wait to play after I finish my play-through of the first!

 

[Zeldafanatic15]

As everyone has said, '94 DK is amazing, picked it up the last time it was offered on a recommendation. Totally worth it.

 

[w00dm4n]

The waiting is the hardest part

 

[OldSchoolGaming4Life]

Sitting here on over 2,100 coins and a crapload of unredeemed codes. Nothing worthwhile here, IMO. Already have DK 94' from a couple years back. Please... Offer some digital soundtracks, at least...

 

[AFrostyOne]

Star Tropics is NOT CRAP. Shame on you. Although the second game isn't as good as the first, it definitely has it's own charm. Picked that baby up, can't wait to play after I finish my play-through of the first!

+1

The sequel improved on gameplay mechanics. If there's anything really bad, it's the length of the game (when compared to the original).

I played them in reverse order. Easy thing to do when they downplayed the StarTropics name in the sequel.

Tracked down the original after playing Zoda

 

[johnnypark]

DDP makes Wii U offerings slightly nicer. An SNES game I kinda like and it may push me over the edge for another $5 reward.

And I agree, Star Tropics is definitely not crap. I don't have a desire to replay them but both games are worth your time. Zelda-ish dungeon crawling and 8bit charm. You could do much worse.

Little heads up, the 3DS Donkey Kong title seems to be Donkey Kong '94 (GB). Been wanting to get that since forever.

Edit: Redeemed mine, it is '94.

That game is fantastic and has aged very well. I loved it when I was a kid and replayed it the last time it was on CN. DK94 is one of those games that shows just what gaming is about IMO.

 

[scottman]

Seems odd they show the NES title screen for DK, but it is for the gameboy version.

I got it in 2012 when it was 100 points, back when points actually meant something.

It is only a $3.99 game, so at 150 points, it is not that great of a value point-wise.  Might have to get kirby dream course.

 

[hauz20]

Man, you guys sure like to complain about free stuff.

Free stuff that comes from purchasing games isn't really free, at least to me. But, hey, whatever.

 

[NEStalgic]

Kersploosh is 150 coins for a $3 game -- so 2 cents per coin.

BAEM is 200 coins for an $8 game -- so 4 cents per coin.

KI3D is 200 coins for a $6 game -- so 3 cents per coin.

DK94 is 150 coins for a $4 game so 2.7 cents per coin.

That's actually still not too bad (we're seeing about 3 cents average these days). But most of us should have it from the first time it was up.

You want some bad value? Look at the Wii/U selection. Those are all overpriced by 50 coins each.

 

[XwaitXwhatX]

Free stuff that comes from purchasing games isn't really free, at least to me. But, hey, whatever.

Correct me if I'm mistaken but you purchase the game for err the game not for the coins right? So getting a game for every 2 games you buy is still pretty damn good I'm sure you didn't but or Hyrule Warriors or MK8 orMK83DW SM3DWhe coins and the free club SSB3DS titles right? Cause if that's the case someone's priorities are others wack.

........no wonder there killing of the rewards program

 

[SpidrMnky]

Was hoping they would add some physical rewards. NoA Club Nintendo Store is so sad....

 

[hauz20]

Correct me if I'm mistaken but you purchase the game for err the game not for the coins right? So getting a game for every 2 games you buy is still pretty damn good I'm sure you didn't but or Hyrule Warriors or MK8 orMK83DW SM3DWhe coins and the free club SSB3DS titles right? Cause if that's the case someone's priorities are others wack.........no wonder there killing of the rewards program

No, I don't buy games solely for the coins. But I also don't think that these games are really "free" considering the expenditure needed to accumulate coins. It's like buying a game for $50 and getting a $10 gift card with it; some people say they got the game for $40. Nope, sure didn't. At least not to me.

But again, I'm not crapping on anyone's philosophy. I'm just explaining my thought process on it. As such, since spending money on games is what grants us the option to get these games, I don't see them as free, and I think it's perfectly fine to be disappointed in the selection.

 

[filmthedead]

What I don't understand isn't the people who say the games aren't free, because unfortunately I know a lot of people who have this philosophy on life and I have learned to just ignore their idiotic statements. What I don't get are the people who regularly complain about this system and still waste time putting the codes in.

Jesus Christ, if it sucks so bad for you, just stop wasting your time on it and go do something else.

 

[MetalMegaGio]

Kid Icarus again? I guess Nintendo doesn't have anything better to give.

 

[El Rey]

I think everyone needs to look at this within the context of what Club Nintendo used to offer and what points used to be worth. People aren't so much complaining about the free stuff we are getting in general but the quality of it compared to what used to be offered. Honestly, it just stinks. I am sitting on almost 3000 points and nothing interests me and every month its the same story with the same crappy offerings. It would help if Club Nintendo made some kind of official announcement that there were no more physical rewards going forward. People have made opinions clear on Twitter and Facebook but of course they go unanswered.

 

[DNukem170]

Zoda's Revenge is probably the most interesting offer for me, but it's on the Wii, not Wii U. Won't get DDP and whenever they add it I have to pay an additional $1.50. No thanks.

 

[Billytwoshoes]

Didn't bite on Zoda's last time it was offered, may do it this time, Dream Course could be interesting too for me.  And Maboshi's Arcade is a fun game in short bursts, even better if you can get two other people to play psuedo co-op on it.  Also worth mentioning you can download the game to your DS (not full version though).

 

[XwaitXwhatX]

[quote name="hauz20" post="12157695" timestamp="1413228049"]No, I don't buy games solely for the coins. But I also don't think that these games are really "free" considering the expenditure needed to accumulate coins. It's like buying a game for $50 and getting a $10 gift card with it; some people say they got the game for $40. Nope, sure didn't. At least not to me.

But again, I'm not crapping on anyone's philosophy. I'm just explaining my thought process on it. As such, since spending money on games is what grants us the option to get these games, I don't see them as free, and I think it's perfectly fine to be disappointed in the selection.[/quote]

So let me get this straight... 50-60 for a title you want to play then another 50-60 for another title you want to play and a 3-8 dollar title for nothing is not free?

 

[filmthedead]

So let me get this straight... 50-60 for a title you want to play then another 50-60 for another title you want to play and a 3-8 dollar title for nothing is not free?

I have to wonder if the people who complain so much about the quality of the rewards and say 'It isn't free' would be happier if Nintendo gave us nothing for the same price. Then they wouldn't be getting the allegedly not free disappointment.

 

[NEStalgic]

I have to wonder if the people who complain so much about the quality of the rewards and say 'It isn't free' would be happier if Nintendo gave us nothing for the same price. Then they wouldn't be getting the allegedly not free disappointment.

I think you're missing the point of a reward program. The goal is to get people to buy new games instead of used ones. If I'm looking at a used game that is CIB versus a new game, I'll probably lean to the used one to save some cash. So Nintendo offers these rewards to get me to buy new instead.

Lots of companies do this. If you have a gas card that gives you back 3% rewards and you get a $10 check at the end of the month from it, was that free? Or was that a rebate? The gas company gets you to stick with their station by giving you that little check. But it's definitely not just a freebie.

If Nintendo doesn't start offering better rewards, they will start losing business as people start shifting back towards used copies.

 

[hauz20]

I think you're missing the point of a reward program. The goal is to get people to buy new games instead of used ones. If I'm looking at a used game that is CIB versus a new game, I'll probably lean to the used one to save some cash. So Nintendo offers these rewards to get me to buy new instead.

Lots of companies do this. If you have a gas card that gives you back 3% rewards and you get a $10 check at the end of the month from it, was that free? Or was that a rebate? The gas company gets you to stick with their station by giving you that little check. But it's definitely not just a freebie.

If Nintendo doesn't start offering better rewards, they will start losing business as people start shifting back towards used copies.

Yes. Thank you.

 

[filmthedead]

Nothing is free if you want to be pedantic enough about it. Free is in the context of what you are doing. So yes, the Club Nintendo code is free. The idea is not for you to pay more for it. It does reward you for buying a game new, but you are not paying for the code. There have certainly been a number of Nintendo 3DS games that sold at the same MSRP that did not have Club Nintendo codes.

It is free in the context of the purchase of the game. If you get super pedantic, it is not free. Then again, since nothing is free if you want to be pedantic, the word has no reason to exist. So either the word is entirely useless and exists to start arguments, or you are being pedantic. Which is it?

 

[scottman]

pedantic pedantic pedantic pedantic   !!!!!!

but there is a difference between "free with purchase" and "free", unless you are the type that raid gamestops for codes, in which case everything is free.

Empty your wallet, and then try to get a CN reward without spending any money.  That would be free.

 

[amusedtoe]

Every single month.

 

[NEStalgic]

Nothing is free if you want to be pedantic enough about it. Free is in the context of what you are doing. So yes, the Club Nintendo code is free. The idea is not for you to pay more for it. It does reward you for buying a game new, but you are not paying for the code. There have certainly been a number of Nintendo 3DS games that sold at the same MSRP that did not have Club Nintendo codes.

It is free in the context of the purchase of the game. If you get super pedantic, it is not free. Then again, since nothing is free if you want to be pedantic, the word has no reason to exist. So either the word is entirely useless and exists to start arguments, or you are being pedantic. Which is it?

Again, Nintendo uses it to ensure people buy new. Many third party games do not include codes. But some do. Nintendo started this out about halfway through the Wii era because new game sales were slipping. When it was successful amongst first party games, many third party manufacturers added the practice.

I'm not playing around with words here. It's a common business practice used to engender loyalty.

Let's look at another example: the airline industry. When a customer earns miles from a purchase (and yes, the airlines use the word earn), the customer can use those miles to purchase a reward flight. It isn't a free flight. And they don't use free when they describe it. Just as Nintendo doesn't use free when describing CN products. Now look specifically at Delta which has gone through a massive devaluation of their program. Many of their former frequent fliers now use American which has a stronger earnings program. Others use United which has a stronger redemption program. Delta devalued their product and now they suffer because of it.

 

[NEStalgic]

Maybe it's because we have seen better prizes from Japan or other months. I'm a Nintendo fanboy but this years platinum prizes pissed me off. The games on that list that I wanted I had and the ones I didn't is because I didn't. As far as the selection from month to month it's okay to throw some games that no one buys but the whole point was to get exclusive prizes. It now seems as though they throw up games that sold enough that now they can just get rid of some digital copies without cutting into profits.

I don't think there's really a concept of getting rid of digital copies. They just create codes. It costs them nothing when it's their own first party game. In fact if it's an obscure game, giving out some free copies may increase sales via word of mouth.

 

[abbabaab]

Every single month.

Wouldn't be the CN thread without it.

#vic2014

 

[sovereignNX-73811]

Wouldn't be the CN thread without it.

#vic2014

Vic hasn't been posting since July (Platinum time).

Although I may not like CN's output lately, I can understand why they are doing it. They have an uphill battle this holiday season selling their Wii U consoles.

 

[filmthedead]

Again, Nintendo uses it to ensure people buy new. Many third party games do not include codes. But some do. Nintendo started this out about halfway through the Wii era because new game sales were slipping. When it was successful amongst first party games, many third party manufacturers added the practice.

I'm not playing around with words here. It's a common business practice used to engender loyalty.

Let's look at another example: the airline industry. When a customer earns miles from a purchase (and yes, the airlines use the word earn), the customer can use those miles to purchase a reward flight. It isn't a free flight. And they don't use free when they describe it. Just as Nintendo doesn't use free when describing CN products. Now look specifically at Delta which has gone through a massive devaluation of their program. Many of their former frequent fliers now use American which has a stronger earnings program. Others use United which has a stronger redemption program. Delta devalued their product and now they suffer because of it.

So the answer to my question is that you are being pedantic. That would have been a shorter answer.

 

[amusedtoe]

Vic hasn't been posting since July (Platinum time).

Yeah, I miss him.

 

[defpally]

It's not free if you buy something that you would not otherwise.  Do the points determine whether you buy a game or not?  I'd hazard a guess this is almost universally not the case, except maybe people that buy something used that has the code intact, or maybe if they want to go over the Platinum threshold (and if you are doing this you really need to check the rewards and re-evaluate why you are doing it).

If the points do not alter your purchases, then yes it is "free".  You spend XX dollars if they offer them, XX if they do not.  You could argue that you don't know because it is now expected they will be included, but I really doubt roughly a third of a downloadable game changes anyone's mind as to whether they buy Smash Bros.

I actually kind of like the selection this month, it's a bit of a change.  Kirby's Dream Course is actually pretty fun, I had it back in the SNES days - kind of like a miniature golf/clever puzzle game (and not easy, either).  Wrecking Crew is also pretty fun puzzle game (200 is too high for it though).  I've never been fond of the Startropics games, but many love them.  That Donkey Kong is a really awesome game, probably the best GB game.  And Kid Icarus without the flicker isn't bad either, still hard as nails though.  Brain Age Math also isn't for everyone, but my son loves Math challenges, so that's one I'm going to get for him.

At bare minimum, if you have the points and a 3DS, Donkey Kong is a no brainer if you don't already have it.  Just wish they had implemented the color in it.

 

[NEStalgic]

So the answer to my question is that you are being pedantic. That would have been a shorter answer.

If you don't get it, you don't get it. Not really worth explaining to you any more. But just don't complain when others voice their opinion.

 

[filmthedead]

If you don't get it, you don't get it. Not really worth explaining to you any more. But just don't complain when others voice their opinion.

With all the other complaining going on, I think I'll continue to feel free to add mine in, thanks.

 

[filmthedead]

It's not free if you buy something that you would not otherwise. Do the points determine whether you buy a game or not? I'd hazard a guess this is almost universally not the case, except maybe people that buy something used that has the code intact, or maybe if they want to go over the Platinum threshold (and if you are doing this you really need to check the rewards and re-evaluate why you are doing it).

If the points do not alter your purchases, then yes it is "free". You spend XX dollars if they offer them, XX if they do not. You could argue that you don't know because it is now expected they will be included, but I really doubt roughly a third of a downloadable game changes anyone's mind as to whether they buy Smash Bros.

I actually kind of like the selection this month, it's a bit of a change. Kirby's Dream Course is actually pretty fun, I had it back in the SNES days - kind of like a miniature golf/clever puzzle game (and not easy, either). Wrecking Crew is also pretty fun puzzle game (200 is too high for it though). I've never been fond of the Startropics games, but many love them. That Donkey Kong is a really awesome game, probably the best GB game. And Kid Icarus without the flicker isn't bad either, still hard as nails though. Brain Age Math also isn't for everyone, but my son loves Math challenges, so that's one I'm going to get for him.

At bare minimum, if you have the points and a 3DS, Donkey Kong is a no brainer if you don't already have it. Just wish they had implemented the color in it.

I don't really understand what's so great about Donkey Kong. Especially a GameBoy version of Donkey Kong. It's not even in color.

 

[NEStalgic]

It's not free if you buy something that you would not otherwise. Do the points determine whether you buy a game or not? I'd hazard a guess this is almost universally not the case, except maybe people that buy something used that has the code intact, or maybe if they want to go over the Platinum threshold (and if you are doing this you really need to check the rewards and re-evaluate why you are doing it).

If the points do not alter your purchases, then yes it is "free". You spend XX dollars if they offer them, XX if they do not. You could argue that you don't know because it is now expected they will be included, but I really doubt roughly a third of a downloadable game changes anyone's mind as to whether they buy Smash Bros.

I actually kind of like the selection this month, it's a bit of a change. Kirby's Dream Course is actually pretty fun, I had it back in the SNES days - kind of like a miniature golf/clever puzzle game (and not easy, either). Wrecking Crew is also pretty fun puzzle game (200 is too high for it though). I've never been fond of the Startropics games, but many love them. That Donkey Kong is a really awesome game, probably the best GB game. And Kid Icarus without the flicker isn't bad either, still hard as nails though. Brain Age Math also isn't for everyone, but my son loves Math challenges, so that's one I'm going to get for him.

At bare minimum, if you have the points and a 3DS, Donkey Kong is a no brainer if you don't already have it. Just wish they had implemented the color in it.

The coins shouldn't affect you buying a specific title or not, but they should affect you buying a game new vs. used. If Nintendo is actually getting people to buy titles they otherwise would not have purchased just because of the coins, then they are doing much better than I'd give them credit for.

With that said, you are right that someone who is looking at a threshold to cross may decide to spend the extra $5 to buy the game new so they get the code, but then again I'd argue that those people would probably do better buying the code on ebay for $2 or so, and pocketing the difference!

 

[Rollobobo]

Yeah, I miss him.

What happened to admiralvic? Is he not around anymore?

 

[sovereignNX-73811]

Yeah, I miss him.

What happened to admiralvic? Is he not around anymore?

I think he just decided he wouldn't post anymore...Give me a few to dig it up...

 

[v0yce]

Nintendo is also "paying" you for the marketing data they get from the surveys with the coins.

The program isn't just Nintendo patting you on the back and thanking you for buying their stuff.

 

[Kirin Lemon]

I don't really understand what's so great about Donkey Kong. Especially a GameBoy version of Donkey Kong. It's not even in color.

Maybe you should play it. It's incredibly good.

 

[sovereignNX-73811]

I think he just decided he wouldn't post anymore...Give me a few to dig it up...

Here we go:

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/306379-club-nintendo-deals-new-games-up-1013-1116/?view=findpost&p=12034918

 

[Frugal Player]

I don't really understand what's so great about Donkey Kong. Especially a GameBoy version of Donkey Kong. It's not even in color.

Donkey Kong for the Game Boy builds on the original game with more levels (bringing the total to 100), techniques, enemies, obstacles, and items. It also adds boss fights against the titular gorilla. If you'd like to see it in motion, then the game's page on Nintendo's site has a video; I'd include a link to it, but my account doesn't have enough posts to allow that feature yet.

 

[Sunrisecityrider]

Those surveys don't fill themselves out. They take time and just last night I was filling a few out when my wife made it clear I should be preparing my kids for bed. So clearly Nintendo owes me something for tearing apart my marriage.