The Dust Has Settled. Now Let’s Talk About the Good Sales.

If you’re reading this, you’ve survived. The wrapping paper has been stuffed into recycling bins, the relatives are mostly gone (or at least quieter), and you’re probably staring at a new pile of gift cards or a bank account that looks a little bruised.

Usually, the days immediately following Christmas are a wasteland of leftovers and regret. But this year, specifically right now on December 27, we’re seeing a strange anomaly: the deals are actually better than they were on Black Friday for some specific categories.

I’ve spent the last decade tracking price fluctuations, and I’m usually the first person to tell you to keep your wallet closed in late December. Most "End of Year" sales are just retailers trying to offload the junk nobody wanted three weeks ago.

But this morning’s price drops are different. We aren't looking at obscure accessories; we are looking at flagship titles. If you didn't get what you wanted under the tree, or if you suddenly realized you forgot to buy a gift for that one cousin who definitely bought you one, this is your second chance.

Here is my honest take on what is worth your money today and what you can skip.

The Nintendo "Tax Break"

Anyone who buys games knows the "Nintendo Tax" is real. While other publishers drop their prices three months after launch, Nintendo first-party games tend to stay at $59.99 until the heat death of the universe.

That is why seeing The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Princess Peach: Showtime drop to $41.99 is actually significant.

Let’s look at the math. That’s a roughly 30% cut on titles that are still relatively fresh in the console’s lifecycle.

• Princess Peach: Showtime ($41.99): I was skeptical of this one at launch. It felt a bit lightweight compared to a mainline Mario game. But at $42? It’s a fantastic pickup, especially for younger players or anyone who wants a platformer that doesn't demand perfection. It’s charming, it’s polished, and at this price, it doesn't feel like a risk anymore.
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom ($41.99): This is the real winner here. A mainline Zelda title dropping this low this fast is rare. If you have a Switch and haven't played this yet, stop reading and go buy it. It’s a creative, puzzle-heavy entry that feels distinct from Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, and it’s easily worth full price. Getting it for $40-ish is a steal.
• Super Mario Odyssey: It's an older title, sure, but if you (or a new Switch owner in your life) don't have this, it remains one of the best 3D platformers ever made. It’s evergreen.

My Verdict: If you have Nintendo eShop credit burning a hole in your pocket, spend it on Zelda. It offers the best hours-per-dollar value of the bunch.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Redemption Arc Complete

We also need to talk about Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which is hitting up to 50% off across various platforms.

I remember reviewing this game at launch. It was a mess. It was heartbroken promise after heartbroken promise. But we are in late 2025 now. The game has been patched, polished, and expanded into the masterpiece it was supposed to be.

The Ultimate Edition includes the Phantom Liberty expansion, which frankly contains some of the best writing in the RPG genre, period. If you’ve been holding out because of the bad press from years ago, it is time to let that go.

Who is this for? This isn't for the kids playing Princess Peach. This is for the person who wants to get lost in a world for 100 hours. It’s gritty, dense, and visually spectacular. At half price, the value proposition here is massive. It’s a lot of game for the money.

The "Oops, I Forgot You" Strategy

Here is the practical side of these digital deals that nobody talks about: they are instant.

We all have that moment of panic when we realize we missed someone, or a distant relative shows up unexpectedly. Shipping a physical gift now is impossible without paying exorbitant fees.

Digital codes for these games are instant. You can buy Mario Odyssey or Cyberpunk, get the code, and write it in a nice card (or text it, if you’re that kind of friend) within five minutes.

Pro Tip: If you are gifting digitally, don't just send the email forward. Take five minutes to design a quick "voucher" on your phone or computer and text that image. It shows effort, even if you bought it 10 minutes before the party started.

Final Advice

Don't buy just because the percentage sign is red. Ask yourself: Will I actually play this in January?

We all have "backlogs" of games we bought on sale and never touched. But looking at this specific lineup—Zelda, Mario, Cyberpunk—these aren't backlog fillers. These are main events.

If you’ve got the budget, this is one of the few times I’ll say the post-holiday sales are actually worth the hype. Treat yourself to Echoes of Wisdom; it’s the perfect cozy game to curl up with while you recover from the holiday chaos.