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

As the holiday season rolls in, Nintendo Switch is spicing things up on the eShop with a slew of exciting events and challenges. Fortnite and Disney: Dreamlight Valley are embracing the chilly, festive vibe this week.

Remember when Pokémon Violet and Scarlet first captured our attention? With so many new releases, it’s easy to let them slip into the background. But don’t forget, there’s a Tera Raid Battle Event happening now that you won’t want to miss. Until January 5, you can snag a Shiny Rayquaza to add to your collection.

Over in the Fortnite universe, they’re no strangers to seasonal fun. This week, they’re reintroducing the Winterfest Cabin, which will be open until January 7. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC 25 is getting in on the festivities with its Winter Wildcards, and Disney: Dreamlight Valley is in full swing with its gift-giving celebrations.

If those events don’t tickle your fancy, maybe the enormous eShop holiday sale will. There are massive discounts on hits from Monster Hunter to Mega Man, LEGO to Resident Evil. Trust me, there are treasures to be found. I stumbled upon a few myself, which I’ll chat about on the next episode of the Pure Nintendo Podcast. Feel free to share any hidden gems you discover!

For the puzzle enthusiasts, a new Maximus Cup event has landed on Tetris 99, promising to get your adrenaline pumping. And if you’re a fan of video game soundtracks, check out the latest addition to the Nintendo Music app, featuring some epic Zelda tunes.

Now, let’s dive into a detailed list of this week’s eShop events, deals, and new game releases. What games are capturing your attention this weekend?

Nintendo Switch Highlights

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid Battle Event: Shiny Rayquaza: Attention Paldea Trainers! Here’s your chance to encounter a Shiny Rayquaza in a Tera Raid Battle Event, sporting its unique Dragon Tera Type. This event runs from December 19 at 4 p.m. PT until January 5 at 3:59 p.m. PT. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring this rare Pokémon into your party!

• Fortnite: Time to snuggle up in the Winterfest Cabin, with festivities starting on December 20 and continuing through January 7.

• EA SPORTS FC 25: Get festive with the Winter Wildcards campaign. Mix some holiday spirit into your Football Ultimate Team squad. The campaign kicks off December 20 and wraps up on January 3.

• Disney Dreamlight Valley: Celebrate the joy of giving from December 18 to December 31. Join the fun with the Build a Snowman Event, craft gifts, and fish up some holiday cheer. Keep your eyes peeled for surprises on December 25!

• Overwatch 2: Dive into Winter Wonderland with challenges offering frosty rewards, like the Winter Chic Widowmaker skin. Events include Mei’s Snowball Offensive and Freezethaw Elimination, running until January 6.

• Rocket League: Feeling that frosty air? Frosty Fest is back, packed with challenges, rewards, and Golden Gifts from December 10 to December 31.

• Apex Legends: All aboard the Winter’s Haunt Event with the Winter Express limited-time mode. Collect Ice Gems for rewards, including Legendary Skins and the chance to unlock 150 Heirloom Shards. This event is live until January 6.

Nintendo Music

• High-Flying Tracks: Soar with the breathtaking soundtrack of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, now on the Nintendo Music app for Switch Online members. Dive into the game’s vibrant world with tunes for exploration and epic battles.

Activities

• Tetris® 99 44th MAXIMUS CUP: Channel your inner Princess Zelda and climb to the top as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom joins the Tetris® 99 lineup for its 44th MAXIMUS CUP. Collect 100 event points to unlock a new Zelda-themed look and sound. The event kicks off on December 19 at 11 p.m. PT and runs until December 23 at 10:59 p.m. PT.

• Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes: Feeling cold? Enter the Cozy Winter Sweepstakes for a chance at an array of delightful prizes inspired by the warmth of Animal Crossing. Enter by February 18, 2025, at 11 p.m. PT for a chance to win.

Nintendo eShop Sales

Stay tuned for more awesome deals and new arrivals on the eShop this week! What’s next on your gaming list?