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

As we roll into the holiday season, let’s dive into what’s happening on the Nintendo Switch eShop this week. It’s a week packed with exciting events and challenges, as games like Fortnite and Disney: Dreamlight Valley embrace the festive spirit.

Remember Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? With so many new games since their release, they might have slipped to the back of your mind. However, there’s a great reason to revisit them right now: the ongoing Tera Raid Battle Event. Running until January 5th, it offers a chance to catch the elusive Shiny Rayquaza.

Meanwhile, Fortnite is getting festive, bringing back the beloved Winterfest Cabin until January 7th. Over in EA Sports FC 25, Winter Wildcards are making their return, complemented by Disney: Dreamlight Valley’s celebration of the season’s cheer and spirit of giving.

If those events don’t quite pique your interest, you might find something enticing in the massive eShop holiday sale currently underway. There are significant discounts on numerous series including Monster Hunter, Mega Man, LEGO, and Resident Evil. You’re bound to find a bargain (I even picked up a few myself, which I’ll be discussing in our next Pure Nintendo Podcast episode). Feel free to share any hidden gems you uncover!

There’s also some serious competition brewing with a new Maximus Cup event on Tetris 99, alongside the timeless tunes of Zelda making their musical debut on the Nintendo Music app. Dive deeper into the latest Nintendo soundtrack offerings.

Check out the full rundown of eShop events, deals, and fresh game releases below. What are you planning to play this weekend?

Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Tera Raid Battle Event: Shiny Rayquaza – Calling all Paldea Trainers! Shiny Rayquaza is making a grand appearance in a special Tera Raid Battle Event! This majestic Pokémon comes with a unique Dragon Tera Type and boasts its signature shiny black appearance, setting it apart from other Rayquaza. Catch sight of this rare Pokémon in 5-star Tera Raid Battles at Tera Raid crystals, from Thursday, December 19 at 4 p.m. PT to Sunday, January 5 at 3:59 p.m. PT. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to add Shiny Rayquaza to your adventure team!

Fortnite – It’s time to get cozy in the Winterfest Cabin! The fun kicks off tomorrow, December 20, and runs through January 7.

EA SPORTS FC 25 – Dive into the festive season with the Winter Wildcards campaign, sprucing up your Football Ultimate Team in EA Sports FC 25 on the Nintendo Switch! Winter Wildcards launches tomorrow, December 20 and wraps up on January 3.

Disney Dreamlight Valley – The Gift of Giving event is here from December 18 to December 31 in Disney Dreamlight Valley! Join in as you build snowmen, craft gifts for Villagers, and fish for festive treats. Plus, stay on the lookout for delightful surprises on December 25!

Overwatch 2 – Welcome back to the frosty fun of Winter Wonderland! Take on challenges for cool rewards, including the Winter Chic Widowmaker skin. From Mei’s Snowball Offensive to Freezethaw Elimination, there’s a frosty challenge for everyone to enjoy. This event is live now until January 6.

Rocket League – Feeling a chill in the air? It means Frosty Fest is here for 2024, bringing a sleigh-load of challenges, rewards, Golden Gifts, and more from December 10 until December 31.

Apex Legends – Hop on the Winter Express in the Winter’s Haunt Event! Collect Ice Gems for unique rewards in the Reward Shop, and don’t miss out on the chance to grab 30 winter-themed cosmetics, including Legendary Skins and the grand prize of 150 Heirloom Shards for Bloodhound’s “Winter’s Bane” heirloom. The event runs now through January 6.

Nintendo Music

High-Flying Tracks – Experience the exhilarating soundtrack of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, now available on Nintendo Music, the brand-new app for enjoying Nintendo soundtracks on smart devices*! Dive into the game’s world with tracks that accompany exploration and battles! Exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members. Visit the website for more info.

Activities

Tetris® 99 44th Maximus Cup – Tap into Princess Zelda’s wisdom and climb to the top as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom enters Tetris® 99 for the 44th Maximus Cup tournament! Nintendo Switch Online members playing the Tetris 99 online mode during the event can gather 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 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 Great Prizes! – It might be chilly outside, but you can keep warm with the Animal Crossing Cozy Winter Sweepstakes**! Enter now for a chance to win a cozy collection of prizes to inspire your very own Animal Crossing-themed scene at home. The sweepstakes are open until February 18, 2025, at 11 p.m. PT. Check the website for more details.

Nintendo eShop Sales

And there’s more this week, so keep your eyes out for new releases and updates!