Summary
Since Nintendo announced that it would no longer make significant updates for its latestAnimal Crossinggame, fans have been expectantly waiting for any kind of news pertaining to the franchise. The series has become one of Nintendo’s most beloved IPs, especially afterAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsbecame a smash hitin 2020. Competing with the likes ofThe Legend of Zelda,Pokemon, andMariois no easy task, butAnimal Crossinghas become home to an incredibly creative and dedicated community.
Animal Crossingdebuted with its first game in 2001, and over the past two decades, the cozy life simulation games have skyrocketed in popularity. The 2017 release of the Switch, a hybrid console that could be handheld or docked at home, was one of the biggest factors to contribute to its modern success. Now, with rumors of a Switch 2 on the horizon, anotherAnimal Crossinggame could also be on its way.
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A New Animal Crossing Game May Already Be In Development
According to Nintendo’s release timeline forAnimal Crossinggames, a new addition appears every couple of years. All the main games in the franchise are separated by a short window of three to four years, except forAnimal Crossing: New LeafandAnimal Crossing: New Horizonswhich had an eight-year gap. However, during this periodAnimal Crossing: Happy Home Designerwas released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2015, andAnimal Crossing: Pocket Campwas made available in 2017.
Though it hasn’t been confirmed, recentleaks regarding a Switch 2are suggesting that Nintendo is actively working on new hardware. The name may not be final, but if the sources are correct, then the upcoming console will be able to compete with the graphics of the PlayStation 5. Rumors have claimed that it will also have a new camera feature and an 8-inch LED screen. Some people even think that Nintendo may have already shown a glimpse of it to a few press members at the latest Gamescom 2023 showcase.
With excitement bubbling around a prospective new device from Nintendo, it’s believed the Switch 2 will be released in late 2024 or early 2025. As such, there have been theories that it will debut with a few heavy-hitting titles. Some claim it’ll have aFinal Fantasy 7remake as a headliner, but it’s also very possible thata newAnimal Crossinggameis being saved for the Switch 2 launch as well. After all, this would be an incredibly smart marketing move for Nintendo after the triumphs ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.
If the information about a potential new console is accurate, it’s very likely that the nextAnimal Crossingis already in the works. According to the developers,Animal Crossing: New Horizonstook about eight years to create, from its conception to its release date. How far along the game might be can’t really be determined at the moment but if Nintendo follows its previous release patterns, a new title is due around the same time as the Switch 2.
Unfortunately, Nintendo itself has yet to comment on the rumors. It’s already been confirmed that there won’t be any new hardware before March 2024, but any date after that is fair game. It’s unlikely thatanotherAnimal Crossinggamewill be released before the next console, though it’s not impossible. With any luck, Nintendo will share something concrete soon.
