Nintendo‘s entertainment catalog can go toe-to-toe with the best, and its wintery wonders leave little wonder why. Live-service games getting holiday treats is nothing new, but it looks like we’re all on the Nice List this year. Whether you’re busy befriending Goofy in Disney Dreamlight Valley or decimating the competition in Apex Legends, we’ve got the scoop on all the holiday happenings. This week, Nintendo’s gifts to Switch gamers are fresh and frosty. There are presents beneath the tree, and new cosmetics in the vault. Here’s what winter wonders you can look forward to on the Switch.
Nintendo Switch Winter Event Guide
It’s no coincidence the chilliest season brings the coolest rewards. From exclusive skins and limited-time events, ’tis the season to get your game on. Here are some of the biggest winter events coming to the Switch:
- Apex Legends: The Winter Haunt event kicks off with a limited-time mode (Winter Express), giving players a shot at earning Ice Gems and some ice-cold cosmetics. If you want to get your hands on Bloodhound’s “Winter’s Bane” heirloom or the reactive “Attunement” skin, this is your chance. Winter Haunt is happening now and continues through Jan. 6.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley: Give Merlin a break from his Night Thorn headaches and celebrate the snow with your favorite Disney characters. DDV‘s kicking off the season with its Build a Snowman event and winter festivities running from Dec. 18 to Dec. 31. Dec. 25 will also be piled with surprises, so get ready to rip into some ribbons and wrapping paper with Flynn on Christmas Day.
- EA Sports FC 25: Your football squad is getting into the holiday groove with a Winter Wildcards campaign. In addition to daily login rewards, you can expect upgraded special cards and icons to collect. The football frivolity runs from Dec. 20 through Jan 3.
- Fortnite: The Winterfest Cabin returns on Dec. 20 and will stay open until Jan. 7. Fortnite‘s never been shy about giving gamers a pile of holiday gifts to unwrap beside the fire, and this year looks no different. Maybe I’ll open a small present first this time. Or maybe a medium one. Or maybe…
- Overwatch 2: Marvel Rivals might’ve stolen the scene, but Overwatch 2 still has goodies to give. Challenges like Freezethaw Elimination and Mei’s Snowball Offensive? Check. A chance to winter Widowmaker’s Winter Chic skin? Also check. Overwatch 2‘s Winter Wonderland runs from now until Jan 6.
- Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet: Shiny Rayquaza is back in a Tera Raid Battle Event. If you want to get your hands on this unique Dragon Tera Type with black coloration, you’ll get your chance from Dec. 19 through Jan. 5. You can’t encounter Shiny Rayquaza through normal gameplay, so summon your best Trainers buds and your best Pokemon to get the job done.
- Rocket League: Not one to be upstaged by its live-service competitors, Rocket League is going all in on Frosty Fest again. You can expect new Golden Gifts as well as challenges to test your dives, dodges, and dribbling. Frosty Fest runs from Dec. 10 until Dec. 31. Time to get the holidays in gear.
There’s something about being bundled up inside with your favorite games (and maybe a favorite snack or three) that makes winter events so fun. Hopefully, that snow will help you keep a cool head when the games get tough. Now get out there before Olaf melts!
