In years past, Club Nintendo gave loyal Japanese members a whole host of awesome prizes. This year, Club Nintendo won't. This year's "Platinum Member" prizes are so lame.
This year, Nintendo is offering either a handkerchief set, a button set or a calendar as part of its "rewards". For comparison's sake, let's review highlights of what Nintendo gave members in the past.
In 2004, Club Nintendo offered a Gold Mario Figure.
The following year saw a TV remote shaped like a Wii Remote.
Club Nintendo gave out a special Balloon Fight DS game starring Tingle as well as personalized Mii battery covers.
In 2007, there was a Super Nintendo controller designed to be plugged into a Wii Remote like the Wii Classic Controller.
Besides a wearable Mario Hat, Nintendo had a gold Wii steering wheel.
Last year, Nintendo offered a Game & Watch Ball handheld. And this year? Yeah. Nintendo of America, however, is giving out a Super Mario characters statue, which, for once, is better than what Japan is offering for its year-end rewards.
To qualify for Club Nintendo rewards, gamers need to register the Nintendo hardware and games they purchase during the year for redeemable points. Click here for more info regarding how the Nintendo of America program operates.