It’s time to check out what’s happening on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This week Nintendo is taking its hat off to Mario to celebrate National Hat Day, highlighting games with our favorite red-capped plumber and his brother.

If that news doesn’t inspire you to look into one of Mario’s many outings, perhaps the Gold Point Promotion will? Nintendo is running this promotion until the end of January, granting Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass members double points when purchasing games through the eShop.

On top of that is Nintendo’s new year sale, which wraps up in a few short days. Have you found anything on the list to inspire you? Let us know if you’ve found any bargains. The sale finishes January 15.

And of course it wouldn’t be an eShop update without some new games to discover. This week’s long list includes Lone Ruin, the twin-stick roguelike that everyone seems to be talking about. Other intriguing-sounding titles include the 8-bit escape-room stylings of NEScape, and the puzzle logic of a new sodoku title.

You can check out the full list of new releases below. What will you be playing this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!

Digital spotlight

  • These Games Have “Hat” It! – It’s National Hat Day this week, so why not make like Mario and tip your lid with these behatted Nintendo friends! Mario and Luigi likely come to mind first when considering favorite capped characters, and you can join them on several adventures on the Nintendo Switch system, including Super Mario Odyssey, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Party Superstars and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. Of course, Hyrule wouldn’t be the same without its green-hatted hero Link – even if he starts off in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild … hatless! Don’t worry, though, it won’t be long before you have an opportunity to gather up some gear to accompany his pointed ears. Then, cap things off with Kirby as he dons a variety of Copy Abilities – complete with fashionable headwear! – in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Super Mario Odyssey, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Kirby and the Forgotten Land are all available now in Nintendo eShop.

Activities

  • Double Gold Point Promotion for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass Members – Until Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can get double My Nintendo Gold Points on the purchase of eligible digital games and DLC in Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. That means members can earn 10% in Gold Points, which can then be used toward their next eligible purchase. View more information.

Nintendo eShop sales

  • Ring in 2023 With the Nintendo New Year Sale – Happy New Year! If you’re looking to pick up some games after the holidays, you’re in luck: The Nintendo New Year Sale has arrived! Until Jan. 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT, save on select digital games like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Paper Mario: The Origami King and Persona 5 Royal, among many others, so don’t delay! Shop on Nintendo.com or your Nintendo Switch system to purchase and download games so you can start playing them right away. Plus, you can earn My Nintendo Gold Points***, awarded based on 5% of the amount you pay (excluding tax and any points or discounts used). Then, you can redeem your My Nintendo Gold Points towards the purchase of other eligible digital games, DLC, Nintendo Switch Online memberships and more. View more information.

Also new this week