DespiteAnimal Crossing: New Horizons' massively successful release during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, Nintendo has yet to confirm any official news about a new mainlineAnimal Crossinggame. Initially, many fans of the franchise speculated that it would be coming alongside the launch of the Switch 2 this year or soon after, but that seems unlikely.
SinceNew Horizonslast received an update in late 2021 – its2.0 version alongside theHappy Home ParadiseDLC– theAnimal Crossingcommunity has been eager for any news on the next entry in the series. Meanwhile, rumors circulating online have given some insight into what features fans hope for, including expanded multiplayer, bigger cities, and a shopping mall.
The Next Animal Crossing May Not Debut In 2025
With No Animal Crossing News In The Switch 2 Direct, A Release This Year May Be Wishful Thinking
As of April 2025, Nintendo has officially unveiled the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The April 2025 Switch 2 direct included a close look at new features, a release date, and even some of the games we can expect for it this year. Unfortunately, despite that the lastAnimal Crossingperformed exceptionally well, asNew Horizonsis the second best-selling game on the Switch,there was no hint of news regarding a new entry in the series.
After 10 Years, Tomodachi Life Is Finally Getting A Sequel
After more than a decade, Nintendo has announced Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic Mii life sim.
Instead, there was a release that may even mean we won’t seeAnimal Crossingreturn at all this year. Holding onto this announcement until nearly the end of the presentation, Nintendo unveiled theupcoming release ofTomodachi Life: Living The Dreamwith a short sneak peek. Unfortunately, this doesn’t bode particularly well for the Animal Crossing franchise, considering how similarAnimal CrossingandTomodachi Lifeare as casual first-party life simulation titles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date, Price, Preorder Details, & 54 Games Revealed
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and there are plenty of details to get stuck into, including price, pre-orders, specs, and more.
Given how big of a reveal this was and that it is releasing shortly afterthe launch of the Nintendo Switch 2,it may be unlikely that we’ll see another first-party Nintendo life-sim beforeTomodachi Life: Living the Dream’s 2026 release, meaning we are likely looking at a possible 2026 launch or later for the next Animal Crossing. Historically,Animal Crossinggames have three to four years between releases, aside from the longest stretch between the two most recent games, 2012’sNew Leafand 2020’sNew Horizons.
What The Switch 2 Timeline Looks Like
The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Be Launching This Summer
Witha confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 release date of June 5th, 2025, there are several things to take into consideration in terms of whereAnimal Crossingmight fall on the timeline. Throughout the direct, over 20 different games were showcased, some as launch titles, and others coming as late as 2026, likeFromSoft’sThe Duskbloodsgame, coming exclusively to the Switch 2. While there was no word aboutAnimal Crossinganywhere in that lineup, that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t one in the works.
Switch 2 Edition Game Cards Will Actually Have The Full Game Inside
Nintendo confirms that physical Nintendo Switch 2 editions of games will actually have the full game inside the box, not requiring a download.
While the sole focus of the early Nintendo Switch 2 games seems to be falling on Mario and friends, withMario Kart Worldlaunching as an optional bundlewith the Switch 2, andDonkey Kong Bananzabeing the star of the Switch 2 direct, Nintendo hasn’t forgotten aboutAnimal Crossing. In addition to being a wild success on the original Switch,Animal Crossingis arguably one of the most profitable IPs that Nintendo has, with games, merchandise, and a dedicated fan base always eager for more.
You’ll Want This Animal Crossing Coffee Merchandise From The Nintendo Store
Nintendo has released a new line of Animal Crossing-themed coffee merch, all based around the iconic in-game café The Roost and its barista Brewster.
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dreamis a nostalgia hit that plenty of people have been waiting for, but it’s unlikely it will see the same kind of long-term success and loyal player base that mostAnimal Crossinggames do. So, whileAnimal Crossinglikely isn’t planning a 2025 launch togiveTomodachi Lifea chance to shine, it’s highlypossible we could still see a sneak peek later this year with a formal launch coming in 2026.
Rumored New Animal Crossing Features & Gameplay
The Next Animal Crossing Might Be The Ultimate Version Worth Waiting For
While we are forced to wait a bit longer for official news on the Switch 2’s newAnimal Crossing, leaks online have already claimed thatthe next installment in theAnimal Crossingseries will be an “ultimate” version, perNWeedleon X (formerly Twitter; viaComicBook.com). These new features include driveable vehicles, cities with skyscrapers, more collaborative multiplayer, and even more adventure missions, including puzzles and mini-games. Which, if true, would certainly make the newAnimal Crossingworth waiting until 2026 for.
Animal Crossing’s Most Underappreciated Game Deserves A Switch 2 Release
One Animal Crossing game has gone underappreciated for too long and deserves a Nintendo Switch 2 port to prove it’s better than people think.
Alongside this list, otherrumors suggest players will have an entire shopping center where they can operate a store themselvesto sell clothing and furniture designs. NWeedle does not have a long history of successful leaks, but the claims made online do seem reasonable for a sequel toNew Horizons. Nevertheless, rumors should always be taken with some skepticism. Furthermore,Animal Crossing: New Horizonslacks some featuresfrom earlier games that it would be nice to see return.
Some of the most requested things from fans are the return of features like multiplayer mini-games and activities, in-depth Villager interactions, a full post office, more building exterior customization, a larger furniture catalog, and the missing fruits like bananas, mangos, and lemons. PerhapsTomodachi Life: Living The Dreammight even provide some insight into Nintendo’s thoughts on modern life-sims and leave some clues as to what to expect in the nextAnimal Crossing, until we receive the official news.
