As we head into the holidays, it’s time to reveal what’s happening on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This week’s collection is all about events and challenges, with the likes of Fortnite and Disney: Dreamlight Valley getting into the wintery festive spirit.
Remember Pokémon Violet/Scarlet? With so many games between the release of this open-world adventure and now, it’s easy to let this one slide into the background. But there are still plenty of reasons to revisit, such as the current Tera Raid Battle Event. This one runs until January 5, allowing you the chance to catch yourself a Shiny Rayquaza.
Meamwhile, Fortnite is no stranger to themed adventures, this week bringing back the Winterfest Cabin until January 7. EA Sports FC 25, on the other hand, brings Winter Wildcards into the mix, while Disney: Dreamlight Valley celebrates the season with the gift of giving.
If those events don’t catch your attention, there might just be something in the huge eShop holiday sale on right now. There are some huge discounts across many series, from Monster Hunter to Mega Man, LEGO to Resident Evil. There’s boun d to be something on there (this writer found a few, which will be discussed on our next episode of the Pure Nintendo Podcast), so let us know what hidden eShop gems you find.
There’s also a new Maximus Cup event in Tetris 99 to get you pumped, plus some soaring Zelda music for the Nintendo Music app. You can read more about the latest Nintendo soundtrack.
Check out the full list of eShop events, deals, and new games below. What are you playing this weekend?
Nintendo Switch
- Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Tera Raid Battle Event: Shiny Rayquaza Appears – Calling all Paldea Trainers: Shiny Rayquaza will soon be appearing in a Tera Raid Battle Event! The Rayquaza appearing in this event has Dragon as its Tera Type, and is Shiny with black coloration, differentiating it from other Rayquaza. Encounter this elusive Pokémon when it appears in 5-star Tera Raid Battles at Tera Raid crystals during the event period, from Thursday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. PT to Sunday, Jan. 5 at 3:59 p.m. PT. Shiny Rayquaza cannot normally be encountered during regular gameplay, so use this opportunity to welcome it into your adventuring party!
- Fortnite – Get ready to cozy up in the Winterfest Cabin! Winterfest returns starting tomorrow, Dec. 20 until Jan. 7.
- EA SPORTS FC 25 – Embrace the holiday spirit with the Winter Wildcards campaign and decorate your Football Ultimate Team squad with festive favorites in EA Sports FC 25 on the Nintendo Switch system! Winter Wildcards starts tomorrow, Dec. 20 and runs through Jan. 3.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley – Celebrate the Gift of Giving from Dec. 18 to Dec. 31 in the new Disney Dreamlight Valley in-game event! Enjoy the Build a Snowman Event, craft gifts for Villagers, fish up festivity and keep an eye out for some surprises on Dec. 25!
- Overwatch 2 – Unwrap festive fun as Winter Wonderland returns! Complete challenges to earn frosty rewards, including the Winter Chic Widowmaker skin. From Mei’s Snowball Offensive to Freezethaw Elimination, there’s something for everyone this holiday. This event runs from now until Jan. 6.
- Rocket League – Does anyone else feel that chill in the air? It can only mean one thing – the return of Frosty Fest for 2024! This year, Frosty Fest brings a sleigh’s worth of challenges, rewards, Golden Gifts and more from Dec. 10 until Dec. 31.
- Apex Legends – All aboard for the Winter’s Haunt Event, with the Winter Express limited-time mode (LTM)! Earn Ice Gems to unlock rewards in the Reward Shop. Pull from 30 iced-out cosmetics including Legendary Skins and more, with an opportunity to unlock 150 Heirloom Shards, Bloodhound’s “Winter’s Bane” heirloom and the reactive Hemlock skin, “Attunement.” The Winter’s Haunt Event is happening now through Jan. 6.
Nintendo Music
- High-Flying Tracks – Experience the soaring sounds of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword soundtrack, available now on Nintendo Music, the new smart-device app for Nintendo soundtracks*! Experience the world of the game with tracks that play while exploring, engaging in fierce battles and more! Nintendo Music is exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members. For more info, visit: https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/nintendo-music/.
Activities
- Tetris® 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP – Channel Princess Zelda’s wisdom to battle your way to the top when the Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom game joins Tetris® 99 for its 44th MAXIMUS CUP event! Nintendo Switch Online members playing the Tetris 99 online mode during the event period can collect 100 event points to unlock a new theme featuring art, music and Tetrimino designs inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom! The Tetris 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP event will run from Dec. 19 at 11 p.m. PT to Dec. 23 at 10:59 p.m. PT.
- Enter the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win Wonderful Prizes! – Brr! It may be cold outside, but you can cuddle up with the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes**! Enter for a chance to win a comfy collection of prizes that may inspire you to create a warm Animal Crossing themed scene right in your living room. Enter now through Feb. 18, 2025 at 11 p.m. PT! For more information, visit: https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/c225f21ef9e7a0d0.
Nintendo eShop sales
Also new this week
