October eShop Releases: *BALL x PIT* Tops Nintendo Life Staff Picks
BALL x PIT – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition was named the top Nintendo eShop release for October 2025 by the Nintendo Life staff, signaling a strong start for games on the newly released Switch 2 console.
The staff voting process, detailed on Nintendo Life’s website, involved selecting titles released digitally in October and reviewed by the editorial team. Games received three points for a first-place vote, two for second, and one for third. BALL x PIT, a roguelike blending elements of Breakout and Vampire Survivors, secured 42% of the vote. The game, developed by Kenny Sun and published by Devolver Digital, launched on October 28th, 2025, and quickly gained popularity for its unique gameplay loop of base-building, character customization, and wave-based combat.
Rounding out the top contenders were Absolum, a roguelike beat ’em up from Dotemu and Guard Crush Games, earning 34% of the vote, and Xenotilt: Hostile Pinball Action from FLARB and Wiznwar, which garnered 6%. Both titles were released on October 9th, 2025, and received a 9/10 score from Nintendo Life reviewers. The success of these independently developed titles highlights the growing strength of the eShop ecosystem and the demand for innovative gameplay experiences, as noted by industry analysts at Nintendo’s official website.
The Nintendo Life staff will announce their selections for September 2025 releases in the coming days, continuing their monthly tradition of highlighting standout titles from the Nintendo eShop.
Honourable mentions
It’s been a crazy busy month what with Pokémon and tons of Switch 2 ports and indie releases, though that feels like every month at the moment, doesn’t it? Every eShop game we scored a 7/10 or above is eligible here.
Obviously, there’s a big one missing — Plants vs. Zombies Replanted. We’re working on our full review and it’ll be with you soon, but until then, make sure you check out Felix’s video on the Switch 2 release.
Alrighty then, here are all the games that didn’t quite make the cut for the top three; plenty of fantastic games, but the cream of the crop was very good this time around:
When Dotemu speaks, we listen. And we’ve been particularly excited about Absolum, a brand new IP from the French studio that made its name on Streets of Rage 4 and Windjammers 2. Developed alongside Guard Crush Games and Supamonks, this is a roguelike beat ’em up with tons of style and customisation.
Besides looking beautiful, Absolum is all about finding the build that fits your play and combo style. You can play as one of four characters either alone or in two-player co-op and go through run after run as you try to save the world.
It’s fiendishly good, and on Switch 1, we scored it a 9/10.
