As the holiday season draws near, there’s plenty to get excited about on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This week is buzzing with festive events and thrilling challenges, as games like Fortnite and Disney: Dreamlight Valley are all set to embrace the winter season.
Remember Pokémon Violet and Scarlet? With so many games released since this open-world wonder made its debut, it’s understandable if it’s slipped your mind. But there’s a fantastic reason to dive back in: the ongoing Tera Raid Battle Event. Until January 5, you have the rare opportunity to capture a Shiny Rayquaza.
In the meantime, Fortnite is keeping things lively with the return of the Winterfest Cabin, available until January 7. EA Sports FC 25 is also joining the holiday fun with its Winter Wildcards campaign, and Disney: Dreamlight Valley is spreading joy through its festive Gift of Giving event.
If these events aren’t quite what you’re looking for, perhaps the massive holiday sale on the eShop will catch your eye. It’s brimming with hefty discounts on many beloved series, from Monster Hunter to Mega Man, LEGO to Resident Evil. There’s bound to be something that piques your interest (I found a few gems myself, which I’ll chat about in our next Pure Nintendo Podcast episode), so feel free to share any hidden treasures you uncover.
This week also brings a new Maximus Cup event to Tetris 99 to get your adrenaline pumping, along with some enchanting Zelda music for the Nintendo Music app. You can dive deeper into the latest Nintendo tunes available.
Check out the complete rundown of eShop events, deals, and new game releases below. What will you be playing this weekend?
Nintendo Switch Highlights:
- Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Tera Raid Battle Event: Shiny Rayquaza Appears – Attention Trainers of Paldea: The rare Shiny Rayquaza is making an appearance in a Tera Raid Battle Event! This Shiny Rayquaza features a Dragon Tera Type and sports a unique black hue, distinguishing it from other Rayquaza. Don’t miss your chance to capture this elusive Pokémon during 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. Normally, you won’t find a Shiny Rayquaza in regular gameplay, so seize this chance to add it to your adventure team!
- Fortnite – Get ready to snuggle up in the Winterfest Cabin! From December 20 to January 7, Winterfest is back with its distinctive charm.
- EA SPORTS FC 25 – Feel the holiday cheer with the Winter Wildcards campaign, perfect for decking out your Football Ultimate Team squad in EA Sports FC 25 on the Nintendo Switch! The Winter Wildcards event kicks off on December 20 and continues through January 3.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley – From December 18 to December 31, celebrate the Gift of Giving with Disney Dreamlight Valley’s latest in-game event! Join in the Build a Snowman Event, craft gifts for Villagers, enjoy some festive fishing, and keep an eye out for special surprises on December 25!
- Overwatch 2 – Dive into the festive spirit as Winter Wonderland returns! Complete challenges to earn icy rewards, like the Winter Chic Widowmaker skin. From Mei’s Snowball Offensive to Freezethaw Elimination, there’s something for everyone through January 6.
- Rocket League – Feel that winter chill? It only means one thing: Frosty Fest is back for 2024! This year’s celebration is packed with challenges, rewards, Golden Gifts, and more from December 10 to December 31.
- Apex Legends – Hop on the Winter’s Haunt Event train, featuring the limited-time Winter Express mode! Collect Ice Gems to unlock rewards in the Reward Shop. Access 30 cool cosmetics, including Legendary Skins and more, with a shot at 150 Heirloom Shards, Bloodhound’s “Winter’s Bane” heirloom, and the reactive Hemlock skin, “Attunement.” The Winter’s Haunt Event is live now through January 6.
Nintendo Music:
- High-Flying Tracks – Dive into the majestic sounds of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword soundtrack, now available on Nintendo Music, the new app for Nintendo soundtracks! Experience the gameworld through music tracks that accompany exploration, epic battles, and more! Nintendo Music is exclusively available to Nintendo Switch Online members. For more details, visit the official app page.
Activities:
- Tetris® 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP – Use Princess Zelda’s wisdom to climb to the top in the Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom-themed Tetris® 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP event! As a Nintendo Switch Online member, play Tetris 99 online during the event to gather 100 event points and unlock a new theme inspired by 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.
- Enter the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes for a chance to win delightful prizes! – It might be chilly outside, but the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes offers a chance to win a cozy collection of prizes that could inspire you to craft a warm Animal Crossing-themed scene right in your living room. Enter now through February 18, 2025, at 11 p.m. PT! For more information, visit the official sweepstakes page.
Nintendo eShop Sales:
Don’t forget to check out this week’s new releases and additional sales.
What’s on your gaming agenda this weekend?
