This Week’s eShop Roundup: Exciting Events, Deals, Music, and More!

With the holiday season drawing near, the excitement on the Nintendo Switch eShop is ramping up. This week, it’s all about festive events and thrilling challenges, with titles like Fortnite and Disney: Dreamlight Valley diving headfirst into the winter celebrations.

Remember the buzz around Pokémon Violet and Pokémon Scarlet? Amidst the flurry of recent game releases, it’s easy to forget about these open-world adventures. But don’t let them slip completely off your radar, especially with the current Tera Raid Battle Event running. If you’re into catching rare Pokémon, you won’t want to miss this chance to snag a Shiny Rayquaza before the event wraps up on January 5.

Fortnite, known for its ever-evolving game world, is decking the halls with the return of the Winterfest Cabin, available until January 7. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC 25 is adding a jolly twist to its lineup with Winter Wildcards, and Disney: Dreamlight Valley is turning up the charm with its Gift of Giving seasonal activities.

If none of those pique your interest, the eShop’s massive holiday sale just might. It’s packed with fantastic discounts on popular franchises like Monster Hunter, Mega Man, LEGO, and Resident Evil. You’re likely to find a treasure trove of must-play titles (I’ve found a few myself that I’ll be talking about in our next Pure Nintendo Podcast episode). I’d love to hear what eShop gems you discover!

For those looking for some competition, check out the Maximus Cup event in Tetris 99, which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping, accompanied by some soaring Zelda tracks on the Nintendo Music app to elevate your gaming experience. Dive into the latest Nintendo soundtrack and get in the groove!

Dive into the complete rundown of eShop events, deals, and fresh game launches below. What’s hitting your playlist this weekend?

Nintendo Switch Highlights

• Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Tera Raid Battle Event: Shiny Rayquaza – Trainers in Paldea, mark your calendars! Shiny Rayquaza is making a special appearance in the Tera Raid Battle Event. This Dragon Tera Type shines bright in black, unlike its usual look. Catch this rare Pokémon in 5-star Tera Raid Battles from December 19 at 4 p.m. PT until January 5 at 3:59 p.m. PT. It’s a must-catch occasion you don’t want to miss!
• Fortnite – Get cozy at the Winterfest Cabin as Winterfest is back! The event kicks off December 20 and runs through January 7.
• EA SPORTS FC 25 – Dive into the holiday spirit with the Winter Wildcards campaign! Spruce up your Football Ultimate Team with festive touches in EA Sports FC 25 on Nintendo Switch, starting December 20 until January 3.
• Disney Dreamlight Valley – From December 18 to December 31, enjoy the Gift of Giving in Disney Dreamlight Valley! Participate in the Build a Snowman Event, craft gifts for Villagers, indulge in festive fishing, and be on the lookout for surprises on December 25!
• Overwatch 2 – The holiday fun keeps coming as Winter Wonderland returns! Complete challenges for chilly rewards, like the Winter Chic Widowmaker skin. From Mei’s Snowball Offensive to Freezethaw Elimination, there’s a frosty treat for everyone until January 6.
• Rocket League – Feel the winter chill with Frosty Fest 2024! Filled with challenges, Golden Gifts, and more, this year’s fest runs from December 10 through December 31.
• Apex Legends – Hop on board the Winter’s Haunt Event with the limited-time Winter Express mode! Earn Ice Gems to score rewards at the Shop, including legendary skins and the chance to get 150 Heirloom Shards, Bloodhound’s “Winter’s Bane” heirloom, and the reactive Hemlock skin, “Attunement.” It’s all happening now through January 6.

Nintendo Music

• High-Flying Tracks – Immerse yourself in the legendary sounds of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword soundtrack. Available now on Nintendo Music, the app offers an exclusive experience for Nintendo Switch Online members. For details, check it out online.

Activities

• Tetris® 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP – Channel Princess Zelda’s wisdom as you battle for the top spot! The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom game joins the Tetris® 99 event, where collecting 100 event points unlocks a new theme inspired by Zelda’s artworks and music. This is available from December 19 at 11 p.m. PT until December 23 at 10:59 p.m. PT.
• Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes – The cold weather outside is the perfect excuse to snuggle up with the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes! Enter for a chance to win delightful prizes that might inspire a cozy Animal Crossing scene in your home. The sweepstakes runs through February 18, 2025, at 11 p.m. PT. More info is available online.

Nintendo eShop Sales

Also New This Week

Explore all the fun happenings on the Nintendo eShop and let us know what you think!