The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →In February 2010, PlaySpan announced that its prepaid Ultimate Game Card was expanding into South Africa, Israel, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. A contemporary Financial Express report also named Saudi Arabia, so the two accounts do not give identical market lists. The announcement describes a historical expansion—not whether the card can be bought or used today.
What was the Ultimate Game Card?
PlaySpan described the Ultimate Game Card (UGC) as a prepaid payment option for digital content in multiplayer games and social-network applications. Instead of paying directly by another method, a customer could use the card to pay for eligible content. The February 2010 accounts do not establish whether the card or related services remain available now.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Which countries were added?
The PlaySpan announcement, carried by ATPress on February 23, 2010 and dated from Santa Clara on February 22, named five expansion markets: South Africa, Israel, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.
A Financial Express report dated February 18, 2010 listed those markets and Saudi Arabia. Because the accounts differ, Saudi Arabia should be attributed to the Financial Express report rather than treated as part of an agreed list.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
What reach did PlaySpan report?
The ATPress version of the announcement said the card was sold in 70,000 retail stores worldwide, citing markets including Brazil, Canada, Portugal, the Philippines, Turkey and the United States. Financial Express separately reported more than 70,000 international retail locations. These are claims reported in 2010, not independently audited figures or current store counts.
Financial Express also said the card could be used for premium content in more than 300 multiplayer games and more than 700 games on Facebook and MySpace. Those counts describe the report’s account of the service at that time; they do not show what games or platforms, if any, support the card today.
Rank #2
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
What was the expansion meant to address?
The announcement presented the card as a way to help game and social-application publishers monetize digital content in additional markets. The ATPress version attributes a translated statement to Carl Meta, identified only as a PlaySpan representative: “The developers and distributors of games in the countries we have announced this time have had great difficulty with monetization.” The source does not establish Meta’s job title, and its wording is a translation rather than an English-language original quote.
The announcement also cited coverage in 180 countries and 85 payment methods for UltimatePay/PayByCash. Those figures refer to payment-service coverage, not to UGC retail markets, and are likewise historical claims from the PlaySpan announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #3
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
