Feature: Nintendo Life eShop Selects (April 2025)
By Excited for sunnier, warmer days (at least for those in the northern hemisphere) and eShop Selects? We are too!
Honestly, our gaze is sharply focused on the upcoming future. The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives in just over a month, leading to a wave of exciting, new games awaiting our attention. It’s fair to say, the pace is quite lively around here.
However, that doesn’t imply there aren’t any games to enjoy at present. April was rather uneventful for us regarding reviews, resulting in this Lite edition of eShop Selects. Nevertheless, the titles listed below are not the only ones that debuted on the eShop — you wonderful readers have shared others in our semi-annual Games We Missed feature.
Even with only three titles up for consideration this April, we ensured consistency in our voting method — NL staff and contributors cast their votes for their preferred eShop titles from the ones we reviewed, resulting in a ranking based on vote counts.
Let’s jump right in, shall we?
3rd Place – Croc: Legend of the Gobbos
There’s something quite amusing to us about Argonaut Games reintroducing its PS1 platformer Croc: Legend of the Gobbos on Switch on the same day the Switch 2 received its major Direct presentation. Yet, this game has a beloved following, which explains its return. It truly is a nostalgic journey.
Croc has never been more reachable, and the updated controls, enhanced graphics, and the museum make this the top way to enjoy this often-overlooked platformer. It offers a delightful experience, even if it’s not the absolute pinnacle, hence the 7/10 rating we gave it. So, Croc GBA next?
2nd Place – Rusty Rabbit
Another month brings us another Metroidvania. But hang on, because Rusty Rabbit is genuinely enjoyable! Although it may seem more intricate on paper due to its outlandish premise, this is an action platformer about a rabbit and a robot featuring upgradable weaponry and enjoyable explorative elements. Mining is the highlight here, but the combat is quite satisfactory as well.
It feels somewhat familiar, and the game might not fully fulfill its wild ideas, yet this stands as another solid Metroidvania, being the singular title in the genre featuring a very surly rabbit. We awarded it 7/10.
1st Place – I, Robot
When Jeff Minter and Atari collaborate, we pay attention. I, Robot represents their latest joint venture, following the fantastic Akka Arrh, and we’ve enjoyed this one just as much as their previous work.
Dave Theurer’s 1984 arcade classic has been vibrantly revived by the team at Llamasoft. As you strive to evade the watchful eye, you’ll be hiding and flipping tiles to navigate through stages. It’s a rather distinct concept for an arcade game, and while it’s one of the strangest, it’s also one of the most captivating once it draws you in.
This is why Llamasoft’s I, Robot is the April 2025 eShop Selects champion, earning an 8/10 rating in our review. Retro fans must try this one.
< Nintendo eShop Selects - March 2025
Do you concur with our rankings? Share your favorite eShop releases from last month by participating in our poll and expressing your thoughts in the comments.
How we determine our eShop Selects top three: At the conclusion of each month, the Nintendo Life team votes on their favorite games from a selection established by the editorial group. To qualify for this batch, these titles must have been released as digital-exclusive Nintendo Switch eShop entries that month and must have been reviewed by Nintendo Life; games are chosen based on their review ratings.
Staff members then vote for three games they believe deserve to rise to the top of the list; first choice earns three points, second choice earns two points, and third choice earns one point. These votes are summed up to create a top-three list, with the overall winner claiming the month’s prestigious title.