Holiday Deals, New Releases, and Virtual Pets Race to the Console

This week, Nintendo launches holiday discounts on classic games and hosts in-store events, while new releases like Yakuza Kiwami 2 and cozy indie titles arrive on Switch 2. Apple Arcade adds SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit 2 and Subway Surfers+, while Moose Toys brings Little Live Pets to Roblox. PlayStation 5 (PS5) players can grab the physical edition of the snowboarding game Shredders. Gamers are ready for one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which launches tomorrow.

Beginning Nov. 23, physical copies of titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and Super Mario Odyssey drop to $29.99-39.99 at select retailers, while the Cyber Deals sale runs online Nov. 20-Dec. 3. Nintendo San Francisco and Nintendo New York locations also feature seasonal merchandise, gift-with-purchase promotions, and family-friendly demo events throughout November and December.

This week’s Nintendo Download brings Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 to Nintendo Switch 2, along with cozy new releases like Goodnight Universe and Winter Burrow. Fans can also check out the Kirby Tough Puff Sweepstakes, new Nintendo Music releases, and upcoming titles, including Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO and SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide.

The Pokémon Company International has shared more about Pokémon Pokopia, a life simulation game launching March 5, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2. Players control a Ditto transformed into a human, helping Professor Tangrowth restore a neglected area by crafting items, learning Pokémon moves, and creating habitats to attract new Pokémon. The game features cooperative play for up to four players and introduces unusual Pokémon like Peakychu, Mosslax, and Smearguru.

SpongeBob and Plankton join forces for a wild new adventure in SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit 2, debuting Dec. 4 exclusively on Apple Arcade. The unlikely duo must recover missing inventions, solve puzzles, and save Bikini Bottom from a mysterious villain. Apple Arcade will also add PowerWash Simulator, Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm+, and Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss in the coming weeks.

Subway Surfers+ launches Dec. 4 as part of Apple Arcade’s App Store Greats collection, offering the beloved endless runner with no ads or interruptions. Players can revisit iconic World Tour locations — from the North Pole to Las Vegas — and test their skills in a new Jetpack mini-game that kicks in after failed runs.

Moose Toys is teaming up with Gamefam to debut Little Live Pets on Roblox this holiday season. Beginning Nov. 15, players can visit a Little Live Pets takeover inside Twilight Daycare, where they’ll adopt and care for virtual pets like ChuChu the panda and Rosie the cockatiel, complete themed quests, and unlock exclusive in-game rewards. The limited-time event runs through Dec. 14.

Microids and I-Illusions have launched Shredders in physical format for PS5, giving fans of snow sports and indie games a chance to add this critically praised title to their collections. A tribute to snowboarding culture, Shredders combines authentic mechanics with smooth, intuitive controls that allow players to chain tricks and carve through a massive, open-world environment inspired by real mountain resorts.

Players participate in the year’s premier snowboarding competition, meeting professional riders like Jamie Anderson, Zeb Powell, Marcus Kleveland, and Sebbe De Buck, and honing their skills in park riding, rails, kickers, and backcountry runs. The game also offers story-driven missions, online multiplayer, and a range of real-world gear from top snowboarding brands. The new physical edition includes both the 540INDY Supporter Pack and The Yard Board Pack, offering extra customization options for players ready to hit the slopes.

The PS5 edition includes the 540INDY Supporter Pack and The Yard Board Pack.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 arrives Nov. 14, taking players to 2035 as David Mason and his elite JSOC team confront the returning villain Raul Menendez and the mysterious tech group, The Guild. The game features a first-of-its-kind 1-4 player Co-Op Campaign, the expansive Endgame mode for 1-32 players, classic Multiplayer maps, and Round-Based Zombies. Unified progression links Co-Op, Multiplayer, and Zombies play, while preorders unlock bonus content, and the Vault Edition includes exclusive skins, weapons, and more.

Peter Stormare reprised his iconic video game role, The Replacer, on the Nov. 7 episode of General Hospital. In a promotional tie-in with Activision, The Replacer briefly takes over hospital duties, handing Felicia (Kristina Wagner) a mysterious folder while nudging fans toward the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Stormare also appeared on Good Morning America in a related promotional segment.