A barnyard biker leads the way for what’s a pretty big week on Switch consoles. Skyrim, Rogue Trader, Terminator 2D, and more all arrive.
Skyrim returns
We have to admit, that even after years of covering these Nintendo Download issuances, we’re still puzzled by Nintendo’s choosing of headlining games. Not that there’s anything wrong with this week’s, since it looks pretty fun. Nevertheless, the Download also brings a bunch of big name games to the Switch and Switch 2 consoles. We’d feel funny not highlighting them. Granted, some of those are re-releases and ports, but that doesn’t change that they’re quite notable.
Starting with a wholly new game though, Terminator 2D: No Fate finally lands. Announced earlier this year, this adaptation of the seminal 90s action movie looks to bring fans the game that they actually wanted back in 1991. The title takes fans through an adaptation of the famed story, plus some sc ones that weren’t in the movie. Even better, there’s wholly original stuff as well, and multiple possible endings. All of this is played in 2D as well, hence the title, and has a 16bit(ish) vibe.
If that’s not your thing, then you might be more interested in a pair of first-time Switch 2 releases, with Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition. The former sees Owlcat’s turn-based role-player make the leap to Switch 2, while the latter brings the familiar world of Skyrim back for yet another console. Coming back around too, this week also brings in Ultimate Sheep Raccoon. A way-out racing game, this new offering features cute barnyard animals as bicycle racers, and has a party vibe.
Finally, Wario World arrives for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on the Switch 2. Subscribers can dig into this GameCube classic for the first time since its original 2003 release.
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2:
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition – Embark on a legendary open-world adventure! With over 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim redefined open-world fantasy over a decade ago. Now, experience the full adventure like never before with the Anniversary Edition. Enjoy enhanced performance for the Nintendo Switch 2 system: Updated visuals, improved load times and optimized performance. This version includes the critically acclaimed base game and the three official expansions: Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available now on Nintendo eShop.
Ultimate Sheep Raccoon – Build chaotic bike-racing courses with friends as a cast of silly barnyard animals in Ultimate Sheep Raccoon – the spiritual successor to the wild party platformer Ultimate Chicken Horse. In this party game, you can add obstacles, ramps and dangerous traps, then crash your way to the finish line while collecting power-ups, dodging hazards and pulling off sick tricks. Choose from returning critters like Chicken, Horse, Sheep and Raccoon, or meet a new crew of barnyard buddies, and engage in races for up to eight players locally1 and online2. You can even build your own levels, share them online and put together custom playlists. Ultimate Sheep Raccoon is available now on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch systems.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – Made in partnership with Games Workshop, this story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games is coming to Nintendo Switch 2! Begin your adventure aboard your giant personal voidship, traveling between the multitude of systems within the Koronus Expanse – a barely charted and incredibly perilous region of space. During quests, show your subjects mercy or disdain, stay faithful to the God-Emperor, or consort with enemies of Mankind. Your every decision and act, even in character creation, changes the in-game open world and those who inhabit it. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader will be available later today on Nintendo Switch 2.
Wario World – Go on a garlic-fueled rampage in this action title originally released for the Nintendo GameCube system in 2003! Wario’s journey begins with a promise of vengeance against a powerful and cursed black jewel that’s warped his castle and nabbed his treasure. Defeat enemies, collect coins and treasures, and rescue Spritelings trapped in boxes as you progress through four stages. Wario’s got some mighty powerful moves, like Wild Swing-Ding and Piledriver, that aren’t just good for attacking – they’re also slick at clearing path-blocking traps! Wario World is available now for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on Nintendo Switch 2.
DLC:
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC– Mysterious distortions start appearing without warning in Lumiose City and you, the talented donut chef Ansha, and the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa must work together to transform them into portals leading to Hyperspace Lumiose! Beware, the unusual Pokémon who call Hyperspace Lumiose home are quite different, with hyperspace levels that can make their total levels exceed the normal limit of 100. You’ll also encounter new Mega Evolutions including Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y, Mega Zeraora, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur! The Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC3is available now.
Nintendo Music:
Nintendo Music 2025: Year in Review – Wondering which tracks defined your year? For a limited time, you can view your “2025 Year in Review” on the Nintendo Music4 app to revisit your most-played songs and playlists, and more. “Nintendo Music 2025: Year in Review” will only be available until Monday, Jan. 5 at 4:59 p.m. PT, so be sure to open the app on your smart device to review your year today! For more info, visit: https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/nintendo-music/.
Sounds Woven Together – This tale continues to unravel! The Yoshi’s Crafted World soundtrack has spun its way to Nintendo Music. Wrap yourself up in tracks like “Main Theme,” “Go for the Flower!” and “Ducking through Danger.”
New Year, New Playlists – Get nostalgic! Before you gear up for the new year, shift it in reverse for a short while with two new playlists on Nintendo Music. Both the 2024 Selects and 2025 Selects playlists have been carefully curated to highlight some of the most memorable Nintendo music from their respective years.
Activities:
Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island + Emerald Rush DLC Event – Dig the Beat –The next monthly limited-time event in the DK Island + Emerald Rush paid DLCfor the Donkey Kong Bananzagame is almost here! During the “Dig the Beat” event, you’ll pulverize a path through the rocky caverns of “Landfill Layer” for a chance to collect statues of Ninja Kong and Ghastly King, who previously appeared in the Donkey Kong Jungle Beat game for Nintendo GameCube. Have a smashing time! This event will take place from Dec. 16 at 12 a.m. PT to Dec. 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
F-ZERO 99 1.7.0 Update – Prepare for new challenges and more in the latest update for the F-ZERO 99 game! Until Jan. 19, players can take part in the Frozen Tour Event, where all tracks in the game will be covered in snow, and collect Gem Sparks to get event-exclusive rewards. This update also adds three new Secret Tracks that will occasionally appear in the F-ZERO 99 and Mini Prix modes, and Lucky Tokens that allow you to play Lucky Ranks. Pilots can also check out the new music player, new backdrops that can be used to customize their Pilot Cards, as well as the new Elite leaderboard!
Nintendo eShop sales on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2:
For news and updates on all things Nintendo, you can also check out the free Nintendo Today! smart-device app. Whether it’s news about games, info about your favorite characters, or videos and comic strips — you’ll get personalized fun every day.
1 Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.
2 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/purchase-terms
3 Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold separately.
4 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required. Not available in all countries. Internet and compatible smart-device required to use app. Data charges may apply. Terms apply. nintendo.com/purchase-terms
Jason's been knee deep in videogames since he was but a lad. Cutting his teeth on the pixely glory that was the Atari 2600, he's been hack'n'slashing and shoot'em'uping ever since. Mainly an FPS and action guy, Jason enjoys the occasional well crafted title from every genre.
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