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Nintendo is opening video game lounges at US airports — and you can get free gear

Feb. 15, 2020
•
3 min read
Nintendo
Nintendo is opening video game lounges at US airports — and you can get free gear
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This is bringing a whole new meaning to "Super Mario Party."

Nintendo, the beloved video game company, will host Nintendo Switch – On The Go pop-up lounges at a handful of airports in the next few weeks. Here, you'll find a bunch of Nintendo products to enjoy before your flight — and you'll even be able to get some hands-on time with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Life systems. The Switch, for those of you who are unaware, is a compact video game console released back in 2017.

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The lounges will also feature plenty of seating and, of course, charging ports. You'll also be able to play Nintendo Switch games on both handheld mode and TV mode. They've rolled out fan favorites, including Super Mario Party, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda-Breath of the Wild and Tetris-99.

You'll can also order Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems — complete with a free carrying case — as well as games and merchandise. Better yet, you'll receive a free Nintendo Switch-branded luggage handle wrap, as well as a $10 off a $75 Nintendo purchase at Target.

Related: A hotel opening this summer promises to be like 'sleeping in a cartoon'

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“Spending time with Nintendo games at our On The Go lounges will give people the opportunity to begin or end their journeys with a smile," says Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Here's where to keep an eye out for this one-of-a-kind airport lounge in the next few weeks.

Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Washington, D.C.		Concourse B near west entrance/exit, next to Gate B62Feb. 17–March 29
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Seattle, WA
Concourse C, next to Gate C10
Feb. 17–March 29
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago, IL
Terminal 1, Concourse B, between Gates B12 and B14
Feb. 17–March 29
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

Dallas, TX
West Terminal, near Gates 14 and 16
Feb. 13–March 29

If you'd rather relax in an airport lounge a little less like a real-life video game, you'll want to take advantage of a credit card that gets you free access. Or, you could skip the lounge altogether and head straight to the gate.

Let's just hope you don't miss your flight.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.