 |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons receives a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition alongside a free update this week. |
By Jon Scarr
This week’s Nintendo Download is all about coming back to familiar places. Between a major Animal Crossing update, a classic Fire Emblem return, and a mix of demos, trials, and sales, this one feels built around revisiting worlds you already know and easing into what’s next.
If you have been waiting for a reason to return to your island, start a strategy classic again, or finally try out a demo you have been curious about, this update gives you plenty to work with.
Here is everything included in this week’s Nintendo Download.
Animal Crossing Gets a Huge Content Update
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is now available, and it comes alongside a free update for all players on both platforms. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds improved visuals, Joy-Con 2 mouse support, and new ways to interact with your island using the system’s built-in microphone.
If you and your friends are all playing the Switch 2 Edition, you can now share your island in 12-player online sessions, with support for GameChat and CameraPlay. The free update also adds new locations and activities, including a resort hotel run by Kap’n’s family, collaborative dream building on Slumber Island, and new themed items to collect.
Whether you are starting fresh or dropping back in after a break, this feels like one of the bigger Animal Crossing moments in a while.
GameCube Classic Returns
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is now available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on Nintendo Switch 2. Originally released on GameCube in 2005, this entry follows Ike and his group of mercenaries through a large-scale conflict with permanent consequences.
The return of fully voiced scenes, 3D maps, and the series’ unforgiving battle system makes this a great pickup if you missed it the first time or have been waiting to revisit it.
 |
| Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for Nintendo Switch 2. |
Demos and Trials
DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined Demo
A free demo for DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined is now available on the Nintendo eShop. This version introduces a new art style, a streamlined story flow, and a Moonlighting system that lets you equip two vocations at once.
The full game launches on February 5, but the demo gives you a solid feel for how this reimagined version plays ahead of time.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 Game Trial
Nintendo Switch Online members can jump into a free Game Trial for EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 from now until January 21. Any progress you make carries over if you decide to buy the game later.
There is also a 60 percent discount available through January 25, along with My Nintendo Platinum Points for participating.
 |
| Madden NFL 26 is available as a limited-time Game Trial for Nintendo Switch Online members. |
Upcoming Events
Donkey Kong Bananza Freeze Break Event
The next limited-time event for Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island + Emerald Rush kicks off soon. The Freeze Break event runs from January 20 to January 26 and takes place in the icy Freezer Layer.
You will have a chance to earn statues of Lord Fredrik and Tucks, characters originally seen in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
Nintendo Music Updates
The Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance soundtrack is now available on Nintendo Music, featuring tracks like “Ike’s Resolution” and “Against the Black Knight.”
You can also listen to new music from Mario & Luigi: Brothership, with tracks that capture the game’s lighter tone and sense of adventure.
Nintendo eShop Sale
The Supercharge Sale is now live on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Discounts run through January 25 and cover a wide range of digital titles.
If you have been holding onto eShop credit, this is another good chance to browse.
Also New on Nintendo eShop
Nintendo Switch 2
- BEYBLADE X EVOBATTLE Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- MIO: Memories in Orbit – Available Jan. 20
- Overrogue: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon
- The Rumble Fish 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – Available Jan. 21
Nintendo Switch
- Arcade Archives TOUCHDOWN FEVER
- Axis Football 2026
- Battle Puzzle 2048 – Queens of the Abyss
- Big Game Bundle 10-in-1
- Bunninjutsu
- CASSETTE BOY
- City Bus Simulator – Available Jan. 20
- Cup Heroes: Handful Bundle – Available Jan. 17
- DEATH FOREST REMAKE
- Dirt Racing Bundle WildTrax & Rally – Available Jan. 16
- Draknek and Friends Puzzle Bundle
- Driving World Collection
- Earnest Evans Collection – Available Jan. 16
- EGGCONSOLE Mad Rider MSX2
- EmyLiveShow: Demons and Mistresses Tale
- Hextreme Void – Available Jan. 21
- Is it True? Castle True-or-False Quiz
- Jewel Match Solitaire L’Amour
- Kick it to Stickman
- Magical Magic World – Available Jan. 17
- Mighty Arms – Available Jan. 16
- Milo’s Dream – Available Jan. 16
- Moto Championship 26
- Mr. Whiskers Bubbles
- My Little Haven
- Nature Escapes 5 Collector’s Edition
- Popper Lands Colony
- Real Truck Simulator USA & Ultimate 4x4 Offroad & Real Car Driving Simulator Bundle
- Storm Chasing Sim 2025 – Tornado Hunter
- Stray of Lostcat
- Super Chipflake Ü: Quest for the Uncooked Schnitzel – Available Jan. 19
- Super Princess & Puzzle Collection: 18 Games in 1
- Tenshinouta: The Angel’s Verse
- Tenshi no Uta: The Angel Verse II: The Fallen Angel
- The End of the Beginning of Courage, Reasoning, and Seaweed 10
- The Lab – Escape Room – Available Jan. 16
- The Murder Hotel
- Voxel Panic
- Wall Of Insanity 2 – Available Jan. 20
- Word Quest Fantasy
Wrapping Up This Week’s Nintendo Download
This week is a strong mix of familiar and new. Animal Crossing getting both a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and a free update will pull a lot of people back in, while Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance gives strategy fans something meaningful to revisit.
Add in demos, trials, and a sale, and this Nintendo Download feels more about settling back into familiar games than hunting for the next big thing.
Are you heading back to your island, or starting something else first?
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated. Please stay respectful and on topic.