This Week’s eShop Highlights: Events, Deals, Music, and More

As the holiday season approaches, let’s dive into what’s buzzing on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This week’s lineup is brimming with events and challenges, featuring games like Fortnite and Disney: Dreamlight Valley embracing the festive, wintry vibe.

Remember Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? With so many titles launched after these open-world adventures, they might have slipped into the background. However, they’re worth revisiting, especially with the Tera Raid Battle Event currently underway. It runs until January 5, offering you a chance to nab a Shiny Rayquaza.

Fortnite, a game known for its themed escapades, is bringing back the Winterfest Cabin until January 7. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC 25 introduces Winter Wildcards, and Disney: Dreamlight Valley is all about celebrating the season by embracing the spirit of giving.

If that’s not enough to capture your interest, the massive eShop holiday sale might do the trick. With big savings on franchises like Monster Hunter, Mega Man, LEGO, and Resident Evil, there’s likely something for everyone (I’ve found a few gems myself, which I’ll discuss in our upcoming Pure Nintendo Podcast!). We’d love to hear about your eShop discoveries too.

Additionally, there’s a new Maximus Cup event in Tetris 99 to rev up your excitement, and the Nintendo Music app boasts some high-flying Zelda tunes. You can dive into more details about the latest Nintendo soundtrack releases.

Here’s a full rundown of the eShop events, deals, and fresh games. What will you be playing this weekend?

Nintendo Switch

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid Battle Event: Shiny Rayquaza Appears – Trainers in Paldea, take note: Shiny Rayquaza will soon make its debut in a Tera Raid Battle Event! This Rayquaza, with Dragon as its Tera Type, boasts a distinctive black color. Encounter it in 5-star Tera Raid Battles at Tera Raid crystals from December 19 at 4 p.m. PT to January 5 at 3:59 p.m. PT. Shiny Rayquaza isn’t usually found in regular gameplay, so seize this chance to add it to your team!
• Fortnite – The Winterfest Cabin is ready to welcome visitors once again, starting tomorrow, December 20, and sticking around until January 7.
• EA SPORTS FC 25 – Dive into the holiday cheer with the Winter Wildcards campaign. Deck out your Football Ultimate Team with festive flair in EA Sports FC 25 on the Nintendo Switch! This seasonal fun kicks off on December 20 and lasts until January 3.
• Disney Dreamlight Valley – From December 18 to 31, join in the Gift of Giving event! Participate in the Build a Snowman Event, create gifts for Villagers, reel in some festive catches, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises on December 25!
• Overwatch 2 – The Winter Wonderland is back, packed with challenges and frosty rewards like the Winter Chic Widowmaker skin. From Mei’s Snowball Offensive to Freezethaw Elimination, there’s plenty to enjoy this holiday season. The event runs until January 6.
• Rocket League – Feeling that chill? Frosty Fest is back for 2024, offering a sleigh-load of challenges, rewards, Golden Gifts, and more from December 10 to 31.
• Apex Legends – Join the Winter’s Haunt Event, featuring the Winter Express LTM! Collect Ice Gems for Reward Shop goodies, including 30 frosty cosmetics, Legendary Skins, and the chance to unlock 150 Heirloom Shards along with Bloodhound’s “Winter’s Bane” heirloom. This event runs through January 6.

Nintendo Music

• High-Flying Tracks – Dive into the exciting sounds of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword soundtrack, available now on Nintendo Music, the new app for Nintendo soundtracks! Enjoy tunes that accompany exploration and battles. Nintendo Music is exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members.

Activities

• Tetris® 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP – Battle through the ranks with the Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom theme during the Tetris 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP! Nintendo Switch Online members can earn 100 event points to unlock this unique theme, featuring art and music from The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. The event runs from December 19 at 11 p.m. PT to December 23 at 10:59 p.m. PT.
• Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes – It’s chilly outside, but you can cozy up with the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes! Enter for a chance to win a delightful prize collection that could spark creativity for a snug Animal Crossing-themed setup. Enter now through February 18, 2025, at 11 p.m. PT.

Nintendo eShop Sales

Find new offerings this week. Keep browsing for fresh additions!