As Halloween 2025 creeps ever closer, a ghostly wave of nostalgia and celebration is sweeping across the United States, with Ghostbusters at the very heart of the season’s festivities. From major gaming discounts and collectible releases to movie screenings and dazzling neighborhood displays, the beloved supernatural franchise is haunting every corner of pop culture this October.
Leading the charge is Nintendo’s much-anticipated Screaming Deals sale, which officially launched on October 21, 2025. According to Ghostbusters News, one of the most eye-catching bargains is the digital version of Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Ecto Edition for the Nintendo Switch. Slashed from its regular price of $19.99 USD to just $7.99, this 60% discount is even spookier than the sale’s advertised “save up to 50%” promotion. It’s a deal that’s sure to tempt both diehard fans and curious newcomers, but there’s a catch: the price only lasts through October 31, so players will need to act fast if they want to bust some ghosts on a budget.
But that’s not the only treat in Nintendo’s digital pumpkin patch. The Screaming Deals lineup is packed with Halloween-friendly and fan-favorite titles, including Cult of the Lamb: Unholy Edition (now $22.49, down from $44.99), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection ($15.99 from $39.99), Cuphead & The Delicious Last Course ($19.43 from $26.99), Sonic X Shadow Generations ($29.99 from $49.99), World of Goo 2 ($23.99 from $29.99), and Disney Dreamlight Valley Enchanted Edition ($51.99 from $79.99). For Switch owners, it’s a virtual haunted house of savings.
Inside Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed itself, the Halloween spirit is alive and well. Earlier this month, developer IllFonic rolled out its annual spooky season update, transforming the game’s overworld hub into a festive fright fest. According to Ghostbusters News, players entering the Firehouse will find pumpkins scattered about, paper skeletons dangling from the rafters, cobwebs in every corner, and streamers galore. Returning cosmetics let players customize their Ghostbusters with masks inspired by Frankenstein’s monster, a cracked skull, a jack-o’-lantern, a sinister clown, a big-eyed alien, and a retro robot, among others. It’s a playful nod to the franchise’s enduring appeal—and a reminder that, even in the digital realm, Halloween is a time for creativity and community.
Yet, for all the excitement, there’s a bittersweet note for fans. IllFonic has confirmed that no new content is currently in development for Spirits Unleashed. In a message to players, the studio thanked the community for its passion and creativity since the game’s 2022 launch, adding that most of the team has now shifted focus to other projects. Still, the game will remain fully playable, ensuring that the ghostbusting fun can continue for those who want to keep the spirit alive.
Outside the world of video games, the Ghostbusters phenomenon is lighting up real-life neighborhoods as well. In Luzerne Borough, Luzerne County, one homeowner has transformed their front yard into a scene straight out of the movies. As reported by 28/22 News, the display features glowing proton beams, life-sized Ghostbusters figures taking aim at ghosts scaling the porch, and a massive Stay Puft Marshmallow Man lighting up the lawn. The glowing lights and spooky sound effects have turned an otherwise quiet street into a blockbuster attraction, drawing the attention of neighbors and passersby alike. It’s a testament to the power of fandom—and to the lengths people will go to make Halloween magical for their communities.
The Ghostbusters theme is also making its mark in Roanoke, Virginia, where Downtown Roanoke, Inc. and 202 Social House are teaming up for a special Movies in the Market event on October 24. According to WFXR, the free event will feature a screening of the original Ghostbusters film under the stars at Market Square. Families are invited to bring chairs, blankets, and plenty of friends for an evening of spooky fun. There will be kids’ activities, popcorn, and candy bags (while supplies last), with pre-movie festivities starting at 6 p.m. at 202 Social House. It’s a classic way to celebrate Halloween—and a reminder that some stories are best enjoyed together, outdoors, with a little chill in the air.
For collectors and fans of The Real Ghostbusters animated series, Halloween 2025 brings yet another treat. On October 21, Mondo announced a Timed Edition variant of its 1:12 scale Samhain action figure, available for pre-order exclusively over Halloween weekend (October 24-26). The figure, which comes packed with accessories including Samhain’s captive Slimer, two goblin minions, swappable hands, and alternate portraits, is a must-have for anyone looking to add a bit of supernatural mischief to their shelves. As Mondo teased in their announcement, “I have come to give my gift… the gift of eternal night… eternal Halloween… eternal ME!” It’s a playful nod to the over-the-top villains that made the animated series such a hit—and a fitting addition to any Halloween haul.
Meanwhile, the Ghostbusters spirit is making its presence felt across broadcast and digital media. WBRE Wilkes-Barre, via Yahoo News, recently published a video titled “Ghostbusters on patrol this Halloween season,” highlighting the widespread embrace of Ghostbusters-themed activities and decorations. From costumed patrols to themed parties, the franchise is inspiring a new generation of fans to suit up, grab their proton packs, and join the fun.
What is it about Ghostbusters that keeps people coming back, year after year, decade after decade? Maybe it’s the perfect blend of humor and horror, the camaraderie of the team, or the iconic images—proton packs, ghost traps, the Ecto-1, and of course, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Or maybe it’s just that, as Halloween rolls around and the nights get longer, everyone likes to imagine that there’s a little more magic—and a few more ghosts—out there waiting to be discovered.
Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: in 2025, Ghostbusters isn’t just a movie, a game, or a toy. It’s a tradition, woven into the fabric of Halloween itself. And as long as there are fans willing to decorate their homes, gather in the square, or hunt for bargains on the eShop, there will always be someone ready to answer the call—no matter how spooky things get.
