I’m spending too many points on Nintendo Switch Online avatars

Switch profile icon rewards are new enough that I can’t resist, but I don’t need them

Nintendo has been rolling out new Switch avatars, and if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member, you can exchange Platinum Points to spruce up your profile — these icon “elements” cost five to ten points each, just in case you’ve been hoarding. It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it announcement, to the point where I think that plenty of people missed the news, and plenty more folks haven’t heard that these avatars are an ongoing thing.

I mean, even as an NSO subscriber for three and a half years (has it really been that long?), I’ve found it incredibly easy to never click the Nintendo Switch Online icon on the Switch’s home screen. I’m just not in the habit of checking. But with missions and avatars now in the mix, I’m starting to investigate it slightly more frequently. It’s low-grade FOMO!

For instance, the current Nintendo Switch Online rewards based on Super Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be rotated out on April 4 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific.

Given the limited-time availability and the wave-based nature of these avatars, it’s easy to forget. Without a recent reminder on Reddit, I would’ve missed the so-called “final wave” of Mario Odyssey icons. Among other images, there’s beach-ready Mario and Peach, the mermaid-esque Lochlady from Lake Lamode, Tiara, and Rango — or as I call him, Lanky Broodal. They’re 10 Platinum Points a pop, while backgrounds/frames cost five.

That said, out of all the Mario iconography, I’m particularly into the idea of having the kelp-with-eyes Komboo as my Nintendo Switch avatar. It’ll be a real conversation starter.

…or maybe I should stick with my Chincho avatar. Hmm. I know some players were hoping to get New Donk City-themed icons in this phase, and I’m sure the day will come.

Is this really a waste of points, though?

If you’re anxious about possibly “wasting” Platinum Points on silly little avatars, it’s worth double-checking when your points expire — it might not be a waste at all.

I’ll echo everyone else’s sentiment and say that I’d greatly prefer being able to mix and match the various icon elements without any restrictions, in order to come up with something more “me,” but my points are burning a hole in my pocket either way.

Have you messed with any of this stuff, or are you sticking with the default profile icon selection? I’m curious to see what the next “featured” game is after Super Mario Odyssey.