Animal Crossing fans are feeling a wave of disappointment following the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event, where no news related to the beloved franchise was unveiled. Since its release, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated gamers worldwide, emerging as the second-best-selling title on the Nintendo Switch, surpassed only by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. However, with the silence surrounding the franchise as Nintendo gears up for the Switch 2’s launch, many fans are left feeling neglected.
Frustration among players is palpable, as seen on platforms like Reddit. User Pegtz expressed shared sentiments, while another user, Disig, stated, “I won’t be buying a Switch 2 unless AC comes out basically.” The reactions collected post-event indicate a widespread desire for new Animal Crossing content.
No Announcement for New Game or Classic Return
No Inclusion in the NSO Library
Although the recent Direct featured brief gameplay visuals from New Horizons, Nintendo notably refrained from discussing any future titles for the franchise. This absence led many to hope for a potential release of earlier games like the original Animal Crossing or Animal Forest+ on the Switch 2. However, fans were disappointed, as these titles were absent from the list of GameCube games making a comeback on the new console. One enthusiastic supporter remarked, “[I] would’ve bought the Switch 2 just for that.”
A wider perspective suggests that the current silence might hint at something grander on the horizon. Nintendo previously launched a special edition of the Switch alongside Animal Crossing: New Horizons, complete with themed Joy-Cons. This has led fans to speculate that the delay in announcements might mean a new title or exclusive console is waiting to be revealed in a future Direct event. Insights from Reddit user iSowelu reflect a similar sentiment regarding patience.
Comment by u/peachymabez from discussion in AnimalCrossing
The general consensus reinforces the perspective that Animal Crossing’s immense popularity makes it unlikely for Nintendo to sideline the franchise. Given the ever-evolving gaming landscape, fans are eager for innovation, and the absence of communication from Nintendo concerning Tom Nook and friends amplifies these sentiments.
Our Perspective: Patience Is Key for Animal Crossing Fans
The Announcement Cycle Is Still Unfolding
While it’s easy to feel anxious about the lack of updates, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Nintendo has unveiled a substantial amount of new content in a relatively short timeframe. As the gaming community transitions from uncertainty about the Switch 2 to a clearer vision of Nintendo’s strategy, it’s worth noting that Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched three years post the original Switch’s release. Following this timeline, a sequel could be anticipated as late as 2028. Furthermore, previous iterations of Animal Crossing could still appear on the GameCube Classics collection if that feature proves successful, especially if there is continued demand from the fanbase.
Considering Nintendo’s successful track record with Animal Crossing, it’s plausible that a follow-up game is in development but was deliberately withheld from the recent discussions to avoid market saturation. The franchise’s previous successes have cemented it as a significant source of revenue for Nintendo, so while the lack of immediate announcements is disappointing, there’s no need for fans to panic. Until then, players can enjoy cultivating their islands and harnessing the creativity that Animal Crossing so generously offers.
Sources: Reddit/Pegtz,
Reddit/Disig,
Reddit Discussion,
Reddit/iSowelu
Source: Reddit.