Nintendo Life eShop Selects (January 2025)

January 2025 eShop Selects Overview

As we bid farewell to the seemingly endless month of January 2025, we now have the opportunity to highlight some of the standout eShop releases of the month. Despite the challenges that the month presented, the eShop did not disappoint with a variety of engaging games to choose from.

Reader’s Choice Winner: Quilts & Cats of Calico

Before we delve into the top eShop picks for January, it’s important to acknowledge our final Readers’ Choice winner, Quilts & Cats of Calico. This charming game, based on a board game of the same name, offers a delightful experience where players create cozy quilts for adorable cats. Whether playing solo or with friends, it’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some light-hearted fun.

Top Picks of the Month

With a plethora of new releases on the eShop, January was a competitive month for our staff and contributors to select the best games. Each title featured in our list received a minimum of 7/10 in our reviews, catering to a wide range of gaming preferences.

Without further ado, here are the top three games that stood out among the rest:

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter

The sequel to Tails of Iron builds upon its predecessor’s success by delivering challenging gameplay and stunning visuals. While it received a commendable 7/10 rating, some repetitive level design elements prevented it from claiming the top spot.

Laika: Aged Through Blood

Laika: Aged Through Blood offers a unique blend of motocross exploration, stylish combat mechanics, and striking visuals. With its intense difficulty level and engaging gameplay, it garnered a solid 9/10 in our review.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

As the winner of our first eShop Selects in 2025, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector impressed us with its expanded gameplay features and immersive storytelling. With a focus on interpersonal relationships and a thought-provoking narrative, this game earned high praise and a well-deserved spot as our top pick.

Casting Your Vote

As we move into the new year, we invite you to participate in our January 2025 poll to share your favorite eShop release of the month. Whether you resonate with our top picks or have another title in mind, your opinion matters. Additionally, you can also vote for the best eShop Selects winner from 2024, reflecting on the incredible indie games that graced the platform last year. Don’t miss this chance to have your say and engage with fellow gamers in the comments.