Home
Content Remastered

Nintendo eShop: Weekly New Games, DLC, Pre-Orders & Deals Guide

Last Updated: October 22, 2025

Screenshot of the Nintendo Switch eShop homepage displaying new game releases, DLC, and pre-order sections.

The Nintendo Switch eShop is the vibrant, ever-evolving heart of the console's digital ecosystem. Each week, it pulses with new activity, delivering a fresh wave of games, expansions, and deals for millions of players. More than just a digital storefront, it's a curated portal to sprawling new worlds and a direct line to the latest in the world of Nintendo.

This guide will navigate you through the key highlights you can expect to find in any given week, from blockbuster pre-orders and essential DLC to must-play indie gems and beyond.

Building Hype: Securing the Next Big Adventure with Pre-Orders

One of the most thrilling aspects of the eShop is the arrival of pre-orders for major upcoming titles. This feature allows players to secure their digital copy of a highly anticipated game long before its release date. The buzz surrounding titles like the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and the innovative The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom begins months in advance, with pre-orders serving as the community's starting pistol for the final countdown.

The primary benefit is pre-loading: the game downloads to your console ahead of time, unlocking the moment it goes live. This means no waiting on launch day—you can jump straight into the action. Furthermore, Nintendo and its partners often incentivize pre-orders with exclusive bonuses, such as bonus in-game items or even a small discount, making it a tempting proposition for dedicated fans eager to be first in line.

From Blockbusters to Breakouts: The Latest Game Releases

The eShop is the premier destination for first-party Nintendo titles, indie darlings, and third-party hits. A typical week sees a diverse slate of new games, catering to every possible taste.

Major first-party releases, like the critically acclaimed remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door or the charming adventure Princess Peach: Showtime!, are landmark events. However, the eShop's true strength lies in its incredible variety. It’s where you’ll find enduringly popular third-party adventures like LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which consistently offers imaginative, family-friendly fun and often appears in major sales events.

Crucially, the eShop is a launchpad for independent developers. A game highlighted in a Nintendo Indie World showcase can become an overnight sensation, and the "New Releases" tab is always brimming with innovative puzzle games, heartfelt narrative experiences, and action-packed roguelikes waiting to be discovered.

Expanding Universes: Why Downloadable Content (DLC) Matters

For many of the Switch's most popular games, the journey doesn't end with the credits. Downloadable Content (DLC) is vital for extending a game's lifespan and deepening its lore. The eShop is the exclusive home for these expansions, which can range from minor cosmetic packs to massive, story-driven campaigns.

Transformative DLC like the Side Order expansion for Splatoon 3 adds an entirely new single-player mode, while the two-part The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced new regions and Pokémon, effectively acting as a sequel. These substantial add-ons provide compelling reasons to revisit favorite worlds, offering hours of new gameplay and ensuring a game remains a topic of conversation long after its initial launch.

Beyond the Game: Demos, Sales, and Soundtracks

The eShop experience extends far beyond full game purchases. The "More" factor often includes some of the platform's best-kept secrets and smartest features:

  • Demos: Many upcoming games, from epic RPGs like Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake to smaller indie titles, offer free demos. This try-before-you-buy system is an invaluable tool for making informed purchasing decisions.
  • Sales and Special Offers: The eShop hosts regular sales events, including massive seasonal promotions. The "Great Deals" section is a treasure trove where you can find acclaimed titles, from AAA to indie, at significant discounts. Using the built-in Wish List feature is a great way to get notified when a game you're eyeing goes on sale.
  • Music and Apps: While less common, the eShop occasionally features game soundtracks or unique applications. More importantly, it serves as the gateway to services like YouTube and Crunchyroll, and it's where you manage your subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. This service itself is a content powerhouse, granting access to ever-expanding libraries of classic NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis titles.

Your Gateway to Gaming

Navigating the Nintendo Switch eShop is an adventure in itself. By keeping an eye on the "Coming Soon" section for pre-orders, browsing the latest releases for your next favorite indie, and checking for updates to the games you already own, you can maximize your gaming experience. The weekly refresh guarantees that there is always something new to discover, solidifying the eShop's role as the central, indispensable hub for every Switch owner.