Since its release over two decades ago, theNintendo-exclusiveAnimal Crossingfranchise has amassed quite a following. The series has captured the hearts of players of all ages with charming characters from several animal species,relaxing gameplay that includes fishing and bug-catching, and endless customization options.
Each installment brings new features and fresh experiences, typically within a few years. However, therelease ofACNHbroke this pattern. Despite the longer-than-usual wait between game releases,Animal Crossinghas thrived. Many fans wonder what the future release schedulewill be.
Animal Crossing Games Usually Release Every Few Years - With One Exception
The Release Between New Leaf And New Horizons Was Long
Since its initial release in 2001 on the Nintendo 64 system,Animal Crossinghas released a steady stream of games with only a few years between new releases—except, of course,whenNew Horizonswas released eight years after its predecessor,New Leaf. Luckily, though, Nintendo’s schedule has mostly been just a few years between releases of theAnimal Crossingfranchise.
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After the firstAnimal Crossingin 2001,Animal Crossing: Wild Worldwas released on the Nintendo DS in 2005.Animal Crossing: City Folkcame out in 2008 on the Wii, andAnimal Crossing: New Leafin 2012 and 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS. Between those games there were three to four years between each release. The only exception to the usual schedule was whenAnimal Crossing: New Horizons wasreleased in 2020,a whopping eight years afterNew Leaf.
2001
2005
2008
2012/2013
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
2020
The eight-year gap betweenNew LeafandNew Horizonswas the longest wait fans of the series had ever experienced, but the game’s massive success and record-breaking sales proved it was well worth the wait. Still, fans were eager for new content during the gap and now wonder if future installments will follow the traditional release timeline or if longer gaps will become the norm for the franchise.
TheAnimal Crossingfranchise also includes spin-off games, includingAnimal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete,which is available on iOS and Android.
Fortunately, though unconfirmed by Nintendo, fans will likely get someAnimal Crossingannouncement sooner rather than later.
Switch 2’s Release Could Impact The Next Animal Crossing
How The Nintendo Switch 2 Could Impact Animal Crossing
WithNintendo Switch 2’santicipated release looking likely for the summer of 2025,Animal Crossingcould make its debut soon after. Fans of the franchise may even get a look into the nextAnimal Crossinggame, with theNintendo Switch 2’sannouncement coming up in early 2025. However, it’s more likely that Nintendo will want to wait until the mid-cycle of the Nintendo Switch 2 release to release the nextAnimal Crossinginstallment.
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WhileNintendo has kept its lips tightly sealed regarding all thingsAnimal Crossing, there are a few reasons why fans might see an announcement or even a release during the mid-cycle. Waiting until the mid-cycle of Nintendo Switch 2 would allow Nintendo to fully capitalize on the console’s capabilities and ensure the game takes full advantage of the improved hardware and performance features.
Plus, releasing it mid-cycle would preventAnimal Crossing fromcompeting with initial launch titles, asitdeserves to be the main focus. Another advantage of waiting would be that Nintendo could focus on implementingimportant lessons from playersto make the next Animal Crossing game the best it can be.
On the other hand, if Nintendo were to release the game sooner, it would maintain the console’s momentum and keepAnimal Crossingrelevant during the initial Switch 2 launch window. A quicker release could generate excitement,boosting the system’s launch to attract both old and new players right from the start. Whatever the case, hopefully, the wait will pay off with new and improved features in island designing andplayer-to-villager interactions.
5 Years On From Animal Crossing: New Horizons, We’re Closer Than Ever To A New AC Game
It’s Been Five Years Since ACNH, What’s Next?
It has been nearly five years sinceAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsgraced fans with its charming island life, and players continue to enjoy its relaxing gameplay today. Despite the long wait betweenNew LeafandNew Horizons, the game’s enduring popularity has kept theAnimal Crossingfranchise alive and well, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.
Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Has Some Big Things Coming In 2025, And The New January Items Are Highly Anticipated
Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Complete is getting even more content in January 2025, including a few items fans are thrilled to see.
Initially,Animal Crossinggameswere released with just a few years between each game. Now that it has been almost five years since the release of the last installment, fans are hopeful that the wait for a new entry won’t be much longer. If Nintendo reverts to its old release schedule, fans could see a new installment very soon. It might even be within the new year,shortly after the Switch 2 is released. Either way, fans are closer than ever to a newAnimal Crossinggame.
The firstAnimal Crossinggame, released in 2001, sold 91,658 copies in its first week.New Horizons, released in 2020, sold over 1.88 million physical copies at its debut in Japan alone.
This is all speculation, though. Nintendo has yet to confirm any specifics regarding the release schedule forAnimal Crossingon the Nintendo Switch 2. Fans will have to wait and see how Nintendo plans to approach the next installment.
