The first downloads of 2018 feel a lot like 2016.
On the second week of Nintendo's holiday release break - before normal service resumes next week - we've got a very light slate. The biggest Switch release for North America this week already dropped last week in Europe, in the form of Stikbold: A Dodgeball Adventure. Always remember to dodge, dip, dive, duck, and, uh, dodge. We've got a 3DS game this week, even if it doesn't unlock for a couple of weeks, as Kirby Battle Royale one-ups this month's Royal Rumble by offering more than 30 powers for your amusement. There's also a demo now if you need additional convincing.
The retro front is greeted with an old Wii U title (Grand Prix Rock 'N Racing) and some classic NeoGeo as Hamster continues their march to 800 games in the current gen with King of the Monsters. If you already blasted through Picross e8 on the 3DS, then Lightwood also comes through with Pic-a-Pix Deluxe (demo already available).
Europe's releases are already mentioned barring shock Wii U or 3DS stuff, while Japan's Switch added... one... release. But everyone probably saved their money for the Dome last night, right Bryan?
North America
3DS Retail
Kirby Battle Royale (US$39.99/C$49.99: preload, unlocks January 19)
Switch eShop
Stikbold: A Dodgeball Adventure Deluxe ($15.99/$19.35)
Pic-a-Pix Deluxe ($7.99/$9.99)
Azkend 2: The World Beneath ($7.99/$9.99: Friday)
Grand Prix Rock 'n Racing ($7.99/$8.99)
Switch Archives
King of the Monsters ($7.99/$9.87)
Demos and Trials
Kirby Battle Royale
Sales and Price Drops
Highlights: Inti Creates titles (Mighty Gunvolt Burst, Blaster Master Zero, Azure Striker Gunvolt titles) are on sale until January 14.
Europe
Switch eShop
NBA Playgrounds: Enhanced Edition (€19.99/£17.99: 50% off until 14 January, free for owners of NBA Playgrounds going forward)
Grand Prix Rock 'n Racing (€7.99/£7.19)
Pic-a-Pix Deluxe (€7.99/£6.99)
Switch Archives
King of the Monsters (€6.99/£6.29)
Sales and Price Drops
Happy New Year Sale: ARMS, 1-2-Switch, and Flip Wars are on sale until 11 January, My Nintendo members eligible for discounts on certain Wii U and 3DS titles.
Super Beat Sports is 20% off until 8 January.
Spellspire is 20% off until 11 January.
WWE 2K18 (regular/Gold Edition) have been permanently reduced to €44.99/£39.99 and €64.99/£57.99.
Dragon Sinker is 30% off until 18 January.
Japan - Switch
King of the Monsters (¥823)