As we move into the festive season, there’s a lot happening over on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This week’s selection is bursting with events and challenges, capturing the holiday spirit with games like Fortnite and Disney: Dreamlight Valley leading the charge.
Remember when Pokémon Violet and Scarlet were all the rage? Although a slew of new titles has kept us busy since their launch, there’s a good reason to dive back in: the Tera Raid Battle Event. Running until January 5, this event gives trainers the exciting chance to snag a Shiny Rayquaza.
In the world of Fortnite, themed adventures are nothing new. They’re bringing back the cozy Winterfest Cabin, available until January 7. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC 25 spices things up with their Winter Wildcards. Disney: Dreamlight Valley joins the celebration too, focusing on the joys of giving this season.
If these events aren’t your thing, perhaps the giant eShop holiday sale will catch your fancy. With massive discounts on games from Monster Hunter and Mega Man to LEGO and Resident Evil, there’s likely something for everyone. I’ve found a few gems myself, and we’ll discuss these in our upcoming Pure Nintendo Podcast episode. Feel free to share the hidden eShop treasures you discover!
For those who love a good challenge, there’s a new Maximus Cup event in Tetris 99, sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Plus, for some musical delight, there’s soaring Zelda music available on the Nintendo Music app. You might want to explore the latest Nintendo soundtracks to enhance your gaming experience.
Check out what’s new with the latest eShop events, deals, and games listed below. So, what will you be playing this weekend?
Nintendo Switch Highlights:
-
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid Battle Event: Shiny Rayquaza
- Attention, Paldea Trainers! Get ready to encounter a Shiny Rayquaza in the upcoming Tera Raid Battle Event. This special Rayquaza has a Dragon Tera Type and a unique black sheen. Catch this elusive Pokémon in 5-star Tera Raid Battles at Tera Raid crystals from December 19, 4 p.m. PT to January 5, 3:59 p.m. PT. These shiny creatures don’t appear regularly, so seize this opportunity!
-
Fortnite
- Prepare to snuggle up in the Winterfest Cabin! Starting December 20 and running until January 7, Winterfest is back with all its charm.
-
EA SPORTS FC 25
- Embrace the holiday cheer with the Winter Wildcards campaign. Decorate your Football Ultimate Team squad festively in EA Sports FC 25 on the Switch, starting December 20 through January 3.
-
Disney Dreamlight Valley
- Celebrate the ‘Gift of Giving’ from December 18 to 31. Dive into the new in-game event with activities like the Build a Snowman Event, gifting, and unexpected surprises on December 25!
-
Overwatch 2
- Unleash some holiday magic as Winter Wonderland returns! Complete challenges for cool rewards, including a Winter Chic Widowmaker skin, from now until January 6.
-
Rocket League
- Feel that chill? Frosty Fest for 2024 is making its wintry return! Packed with challenges and rewards, it’s running from December 10 to December 31.
- Apex Legends
- Hop onto the Winter’s Haunt Event with the Winter Express limited-time mode (LTM)! Earn Ice Gems to claim rewards, including the reactive Hemlock skins and the "Winter’s Bane" heirloom. Catch this event until January 6.
Nintendo Music
- High-Flying Tracks
- Enjoy the breathtaking sounds of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword soundtrack on Nintendo Music, the app designed for Nintendo soundtracks. Available now for Nintendo Switch Online members, this is your chance to experience the epic world of Zelda through its music. For more details, visit their site.
Activities
-
Tetris® 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP
- Channel Princess Zelda’s wisdom in the latest Tetris® 99 MAXIMUS CUP featuring the Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom theme! Nintendo Switch Online players participating from December 19, 11 p.m. PT to December 23, 10:59 p.m. PT can collect 100 event points to unlock this exciting theme full of art, music, and Tetrimino designs inspired by Zelda.
- Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes
- Even if it’s cold outside, you can win warm, wonderful prizes with the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes! Enter by February 18, 2025, at 11 p.m. PT for a chance to win a collection that could inspire you to create a seasonal scene in your own living-room. More details are available online.
Nintendo eShop Sales
Prepare your wallets, because there’s even more to explore with this week’s updates and holiday discounts. Dive into the offerings and let us know which new games catch your eye!
