Nintendo is opening video game lounges at US airports — and you can get free gear
Samantha Rosen was one of the first 20 employees at TPG. She started as the site's first full-time social media editor and also served as its lifestyle editor.
Feb. 15, 2020
•
3 min read
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 B62 | Feb. 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.
Featured image by (Photo courtesy of Nintendo)
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees