The American arm of Club Nintendo doesn't have the best record of offering the truly amazing collectibles that its international divisions do, but the Platinum and Gold Elite gifts for 2014 are downright pitiful.  Instead of a neat physical collectible such as a Mario hat, playing cards, or a soundtrack CD, this year the program is offering a single download from the eShop.  Those entitled to the reward can choose from such classics as Ice Climber and Donkey Kong 3.  Now you all should know me well enough to know that I'm not part of the entitlement culture.  I don't believe that I should be showered in riches just because I fill out a few surveys.  However, in this instance I actually am angry about this and not only am I embarrassed about that, but I also feel a little insulted that Nintendo believes these rewards are suitable as loyalty gifts for being a supposedly valued customer.

Sure, there are some decent games from which to choose beyond the two most pathetic ones I mentioned above.  NES Remix is an option, as is EarthBound (which is probably what I'l choose since it's the only game I don't have from the list that I want, and never in my life did I think I'd be frustrated with a free copy of that life-changing game).  Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is on the list, making it one of two retail releases offered.  Those are solid choices, but I bet that most people who qualified to receive them for free already bought them in order to reach Elite statue in the first place.  The problem I have here is that the Elite gifts are supposed to be neat items that are otherwise unavailable such as the exclusive soundtracks or figurines.  I know Nintendo has had a difficult few years with low sales and financial difficulties, but isn't now the time to thank the loyalest customers who have continued to purchase products?  A download of an eShop game just feels like a lazy afterthought. I don't like to complain about this sort of thing. It's counterproductive and doesn't solve anything. Today, however, I just can't stay silent.

@PressTheButtons The fact that you feel angry bothers you more that that fact that the gifts suck? Seems a good characteristic.

— Erik Olson (@assend_dot_net) July 16, 2014

@PressTheButtons I find it funny that the rewards they give you for Platinum is games you probably bought to get there.

— John Nieves (@JohngPR) July 16, 2014

@PressTheButtons @NintendoAmerica Neither am I, but this just seems lazy.

— Joey Davidson (@JoeyDavidson) July 16, 2014

@PressTheButtons "Pretty lame, Milhouse."

— Nadia Oxford (@nadiaoxford) July 16, 2014