The Black Friday sales are here. The European eShop got its wave of tasty discounts last week and now it's North America's turn. The 'Cyber Deals' eShop sale is now live, with a boatload of titles getting a price cut until 2nd December at 11:59pm PT.
This sale is rammed with so many quality discounts that it can be hard to find the cream of the crop. To help you nab a gem, we've rounded up every game in the Nintendo's North American Cyber Deals eShop sale that we awarded 9/10 or higher — and be warned, it's a long list.
If you want to save even more, you can pick up Switch eShop credit with an additional 5% discount from our store by using the offer code BLACKFRIDAY. Makes the savings a little sweeter, eh?
Here are our top picks from the Cyber Deals eShop sale, in alphabetical order:
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition (Switch)
$35.99 (-40%)
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the absolute pinnacle of the series and despite coming to Switch over five years after other platforms, this 'impossible' Switch conversion does very little to degrade the experience. Long-time franchise players and military aviation enthusiasts will be overwhelmed by the fan service at every turn, from craters on the ground to airplanes, liveries, callsigns, and emblems shouting out to previous entries. We understand the genre is uniquely niche, but if this is your first foray into the franchise, this conversion is a perfect gateway into this rich, revered series. You get tons of content and an epic single-player campaign wrapped up in triple-A presentation that delivers the most comprehensive portable experience ever from Project Aces.
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Aegis Defenders (Switch eShop)
$4.99 (-75%)
Aegis Defenders is a fantastic game, brilliantly blending the tower defense and platforming genres in a unique way to produce a memorable and enjoyable experience. Lovable characters, interesting lore, plenty of secrets, engaging gameplay, and gorgeous presentation combine to make this a must-have title for your Switch. We would recommend this to anybody looking for a detailed world to immerse themselves in, or to somebody looking for that next game to play through with a friend. Aegis Defenders is a real gem on the eShop; don’t miss out.
AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative (Switch)
$23.99 (-60%)
AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is one of the most interesting visual novels we’ve played through in a while. The murder mystery at its heart is brought to life by some great writing and quirky characters alongside the satisfyingly integrated, beautifully balanced Psync puzzle elements. Even with some minor control issues, there is a lot to love in this game even if you never picked up the original. Highly recommended if you're even a little bit curious.
Alien: Isolation (Switch eShop)
$14.99 (-25%)
Alien: Isolation is a survival horror masterpiece and straight-up one of the very best horror video games ever released. It's a nerve-wracking affair – a slow, methodical game of cat and mouse against a brilliantly clever recreation of one of cinema's most infamous killers – but if you're up to the task you'll find one of the most satisfying gameplay experiences in the genre; a brilliant and beautiful homage to one of the greatest Sci-Fi movies of all time. Feral Interactive has done a stellar job with this Switch port and the excellent motion controls and inclusion of all previously-released DLC only go to sweeten the deal. This is essential stuff for survival horror fans.
Alisa Developer's Cut (Switch eShop)
$14.39 (-20%)
Alisa Developer's Cut is an excellent homage to classic survival horror that can easily stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Resident Evil and Alone in the Dark. From the tank controls to the cheesy voiceover work, it nails almost every aspect, providing an experience that feels like it was ripped straight from the '90s. Its overall appeal will likely be limited to those who are intimately familiar with survival horror, but if that's you, then strap yourself in for one of the best examples of the genre to date.
Ape Out (Switch eShop)
$3.74 (-75%)
The Nintendo eShop would be a considerably more exciting and interesting place if it were packed full of games like Ape Out. It’s a refreshingly original experience that more than deserves a place in any Switch owner’s library.
Difficult, frenetic gameplay, strong art direction, and an even stronger jazz drum soundtrack make this the sort of memorable game that you’ll likely keep coming back to over and over for another few runs in arcade mode. Ape Out gets a strong recommendation to anyone looking for a distinct and unforgettable game for their Switch collection; it’s a bit of an acquired taste, but well worth your time.
Armello (Switch eShop)
$9.99 (-60%)
While this turn-based affair might look, move, and feel just like a real board game, Armello is actually a completely original creation — and one that does more than simply doff its cap at the world of tabletop gaming. From the deep tactics of its living board game gameplay to the sheer charm of its worldbuilding and animal character designs, it's a quest filled with back-stabbing, political power plays, and rampaging monsters that’s different each and every time you play. It’s at its absolute best when played in multiplayer, that human factor making for an even more unpredictable battle for the corrupted throne. The Switch version has had its ups and downs since launch, with some updates making things worse, but it's apparently back to being in a playable state on Nintendo's console. As such, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to add this anthropomorphic tale to your wishlist.
Astral Chain (Switch)
$41.99 (-30%)
With its amazing visuals, fantastic presentation, varied gameplay, and deep, rewarding combat, Astral Chain is one of PlatinumGames' most accomplished titles. It mixes detective work with exhilarating battle sequences that are inventive, challenging and — perhaps most importantly — breathtakingly cool.
The complexity of the game's myriad systems may prove intimidating for some players, but the inclusion of a co-op play and the ability to automate many of the mechanics via the 'Unchained' mode means that even complete newcomers can still enjoy the ride.
Astral Chain isn't just one of the Switch's standout hits, it's one of Platinum's best video games.
Axiom Verge (Switch eShop)
$4.99 (-75%)
Axiom Verge on Switch is truly an outstanding port of an outstanding game, no more and no less. We would strongly urge those of you who missed this game on other platforms to pick it up here; this is the full Axiom Verge experience and it's available in a format that supports both handheld and home play.
For those of you who have played it before on other platforms, it’s ultimately a question of just how much you love this game. This is the exact same, excellent game that you’ve played before, so whether or not you want to buy it again is personal choice.
Regardless of which side you fall on, Axiom Verge is a fantastic example of how to do a Metroidvania right.
And you can also snap up the sequel in this sale for $9.99 (-50%).
Bad North (Switch eShop)
$2.99 (-80%)
A slice of Viking strategic combat right out of the heart of Scandinavia’s indie development scene, Bad North was at the vanguard of a wave of smart yet intrinsically accessible real-time strategy titles.
Swedish developer Plausible Concept calls it ‘micro-strategy’ and it's the perfect encapsulation of a minimalist approach that covers everything from unit management to the Monument Valley-style isometric art style.
With enough enemy variance to convince you you’re playing an interactive episode of the Vikings TV show, this endlessly entertaining sea of bitesize battles will teach you to fear — and love — the sound of the oncoming horde.
Balatro (Switch eShop)
$13.49 (-10%)
Balatro is a roguelike for gamers who don't like roguelikes... and then everybody else on top of that. It utterly nails what it sets out to do, providing an instantly accessible, satisfying, and addictive gameplay loop that anybody can grasp.
It's an immensely enjoyable experience from the start, but as you get deeper in, there's really nothing else quite like it. Utterly sublime.
Bayonetta 3 (Switch)
$41.99 (-30%)
Bayonetta 3 cranks up the chaos, improves the combat, polishes the level design, and adds a ton of new mechanics to the mix, making for the very best entry in this storied series to date.
PlatinumGames absolutely nailed it this time around, carefully layering on more ways to engage enemies, piling on the OTT gameplay sequences, and giving us multiple protagonists without upsetting the balance of what makes these games amongst the very best examples of their genre.
With solid performance in docked and handheld modes, impressive visuals, non-stop action, and a hugely replayable campaign that's a joy from start to finish, this really is a huge celebration of everything we love about Bayonetta, an action all-timer and one of the highlights of Switch's impressive library.
Botany Manor (Switch eShop)
$22.49 (-10%)
It looks like The Witness and it plays a bit like StreetPass Garden, but Botany Manor blooms into something that's not only entirely its own, but also something quite special. Don't let its cosy aesthetics fool you — Botany Manor is packed with nicely challenging, well-designed puzzles, and isn't afraid to tackle heavy subjects, too.
Braid: Anniversary Edition (Switch eShop)
$7.99 (-60%)
Braid remains a landmark equally for indie game development and puzzle platformers. The time control mechanics are mind-bendingly satisfying to play with and the puzzles are wickedly inventive. This Anniversary Edition is an exquisite expression of the original concept, with everything spruced up to perfection.
And, even on top of that, it includes interactive creators’ commentary that sets a high watermark for in-game analysis and represents a new key text for anyone interested in how games are made. In short: this package is an all-timer.
Catherine: Full Body (Switch)
$9.99 (-80%)
Catherine: Full Body is a fantastic revamp of a bonafide cult classic. With an excellent new character and several new endings slickly inserted into an already highly entertaining narrative – not to mention a slew of fun new modes – this is the definitive version of an outstanding game. If you've never played Catherine before then you're in for an absolute treat, and if you have, we'd say there's enough new content here to make it worth diving in all over again.
Collection of Mana (Switch)
$15.99 (-60%)
What you've got here are two of the finest examples of the genre, accompanied by a third likeable entry which is also well worth a look. When you consider how many titles Konami is packing into its Anniversary Collection packages – and that their retail price is almost half what Square Enix is demanding for the three games included here – it's impossible to not question the value of Collection of Mana. However, there's no denying the fact that Secret of Mana is one of the finest console RPGs of all time, and even though it's readily available elsewhere, playing it on Switch is like wrapping yourself up in a warm and familiar blanket; it's just right somehow. We could argue that Secret of Mana is merely the appetiser for the real star of this collection: Trials of Mana. It's nothing short of a masterpiece and finally getting the chance to play it officially in English is a landmark moment for SNES and RPG fans alike.
Crypt of the NecroDancer (Switch eShop)
$3.99 (-80%)
A roguelike at heart with a rhythm-game soul, Crypt Of The NecroDancer is a sublime experience that’s a must-play for fans of the genre(s). Its upbeat, uptempo take on dungeon crawling is infectious, and there’s enough content here to last even the savviest of spelunkers for many, many dance-fuelled dives into the depths — if you’ve never tangoed with the NecroDancer, this fully-featured Switch edition is the perfect way to jump in. For anybody who never played this but loved the Zelda spin-off Cadence of Hyrule (also on sale for $17.49), what are you waiting for?
Cuphead (Switch eShop)
$13.79 (-31%)
Cuphead was an absolute masterpiece when it originally launched on Xbox One and nothing has been sacrificed in its move to the Switch. A run-and-gun boss battler dressed up like a 1930s Fleischer or Disney animated short, it’s the same visually jaw-dropping, aurally delightful, knuckle-whiteningly difficult game it was on Microsoft’s console and the Switch’s library is all the better for its presence. Its focus on intense boss battles won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into we can’t recommend it enough. Just look at it!
And the Delicious Last Course DLC (also on sale for $6.49) is the icing on the cake, too.
Cyber Shadow (Switch eShop)
$11.99 (-40%)
If you consider yourself a fan of retro action platformers, you owe it to yourself to pick up Cyber Shadow. It’s clear in virtually every facet of Cyber Shadow’s design that this project was a labour of love and that its designer is intimately familiar with what makes the stalwarts of this beloved genre so great.
Well-built levels, authentic presentation, tight controls, and high difficulty all combine to make this a supreme and focused experience, and one that we can easily say is well worth your time. Mechanical Head Studios set a high bar with its inaugural release.
Dark Souls: Remastered (Switch)
$19.99 (-50%)
Dark Souls: Remastered is a faithful remaster of a touchstone in video game design that improves overall performance of the original release while preserving all of the character traits that made it such a memorable experience. While it’s no less forgiving — and its menus are a little fiddly — this slick Nintendo Switch iteration offers an excellent way to experience Lordran’s ultra-challenging odyssey in true handheld form.
Plus, there's a Solaire of Astora amiibo. Praise the Sun, indeed.
Comments 29
If there were ever a swinging deal on this list it's the Messenger, don't look it up if you can help it, it's so good blind.
Chico and the Magic Orchards is also on sale and you gave it a 9/10 in your review here as well
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/chico-and-the-magic-orchards-dx
(full disclosure, I am the developer of the game hehe)
Must... finish... BACKLOG...
Fight... Urge to... Buy...
Fitness Circuit is on sale for $20 so I grabbed it.
It’s a great workout game that was recommended to me by some people here. 👍
Isn’t Sonic X Shadow Generations another 9 rated game that’s included in this sale?
The Samurai Shodown reboot may have "only" gotten an 8 on here, but I couldn't help but notice that it's currently on sale for 85% off >..<
I'd been wanting to try it for years, but the entry price and DLC costs always scared me away. Thanks to the sale, I was able to buy the complete game with every bit of DLC for less than $20 USD. And I had no idea that one of the added characters was Baiken, from Guilty Gear??
Been playing it here and there for the last few nights, and am having the time of my life so far! Totally worth it at that price if you're a fan of old-school fighters - like me ^_^
Already done the math on this one. If I only bought the games on my wishlist that I consider extremely cheap, it'd still cost me more than $300 and probably take a couple years to get through, and that's assuming no more deals pop up in the next week. I'm thinking of narrowing it down to Hyper Light Drifter, Portal Collection, Voice of Cards Trilogy, and a handful of other indies, and that'll still run me around $70.
@N00BiSH Don't worry, your backlog will follow you to the next generation. You'll have plenty of time for it to keep growing larger and more intimidating.
@Anachronism ...no thank you. I actually want to dedicate next year to finishing some games I haven't gotten around to
@N00BiSH Best of luck. That's pretty much all I've done for years, and my backlog is a mess of half-finished collections, "finished" games with unfinished postgames/DLC/NG+, and roguelikes or freebies that I never really intend to finish, on top of the couple dozen games I haven't even started yet.
@JimNorman Useful article. With 133 games, a list of all links, kind of like the additional list on the last page, would be helpful.
@cosmograph What did you hear about the game? I love home workouts and ring fit in particular I’ve been keeping up with for 4 years. I’m curious about this one now.
@AG_Awesome Yes! Totally, I love ring fit and home workouts too!
Fitness Circuit has been very addictive for the folks I’ve chatted with here. The movements are a lot different from those in ring fit and definitely cardio and core based in my experience with less of the strength building exercises in ring fit.
There is a demo for the game that gives you a good idea of what it’s about.
Truthfully for me, ring fit will always be the pinnacle but I enjoy games like this and the fitness boxing series that offer something a little bit different.
@AG_Awesome Just to keep your expectations in check, it’s not approaching anything as polished, cohesive, or gamified as ring fit. Master trainer Peter on youtube has a great breakdown on it.
When’s the European deals being published/displayed?
Was really hoping to see Pikmin 1 & 2 added to the cyber deal. ☹️
@notreallyhere I did nearly the same thing, and I have been playing it really enjoying it. Great fighter, pretty easy pick up and play
Portal 1 and 2 for $5 is pretty darn good. Although I beat the original Portal probably 500 times speed running on Xbox 360 and Portal 2 was the last game I ever pre ordered...i didn't really need to play them again, but its been long enough the dialogue lines are hilarious again. Plus im a sucker for the mouse-like precision gyro in handheld adds.
Hello...? Are you still there...?
N00BiSH wrote:
My motto is: "A game bought now is one less you have to buy later."
@Linnybhoy It already has, here it is: https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/62-switch-games-you-should-pick-up-in-nintendos-black-friday-sale-europe!
Dangerous article...
The Messenger for $4 is wild. That's one of the best games I've played in years.
@cosmograph Thank you so much for the detailed response! I will have to think about it but it sounds like a pretty decent exercise game. I like to mix up my DDP Yoga with ring fit, so adding this into the routine may still be a nice change of pace.
I didn't see it mentioned (or I missed it), but Dragon Quest 11 S is on sale again. Finally getting my hands on this game. Can't wait to play it. ^^
Forget Nintendo's official deals, got TOTK from Walmart for $30 and am still debating on Bowser's Fury for $35, Kirby and the Forgotten Land for $35, or Pikmin 4 for $35 from Target.
I was hoping for Metroid Dread or Mario vs DK to go on sale, but there's still more holiday sales to go. I'll pick up Shin Megami Tensei though. I was going to get it at launch but I was busy with other things at the time, plus I already had SMTV vanilla.
You don't include "The" when listing things alphabetically.
these lists are just great! THANK YOU! 😊
Maybe it's finally time to give Shovel Knight a second try. I got really mad the first time I tried it on Wii U, when I realized that knocking out what I found out later where checkpoints was forcing me to the beginning every time I died. I knew back then that I'd probably like it if I tried it a second time, now knowing about the checkpoint system.
Imagine a headline and byline combo like that in the Wii U era: 133 eshop games on sale that were a 9 or a 10.
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