In the wake of the April Nintendo Direct, anticipation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 has soared, fueled by a plethora of exciting announcements. Nintendo introduced innovative features including Game Chat and a mouse-like capability for the Joy-Con controllers. Accompanying these enhancements were thrilling reveals of major first-party titles, delighting fans of iconic franchises like Donkey Kong and Mario Kart alike.
However, a segment of the Nintendo community also received noteworthy news: several beloved GameCube titles are set to join the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service, exclusively for the Switch 2. Classics such as Wind Waker, Pokémon Colosseum, and Luigi’s Mansion are among the highlights. While this news thrilled many, one notable absence left a significant sense of disappointment for fans: the original Animal Crossing.
Animal Crossing Excluded from NSO’s GameCube Lineup
Not Present at the Switch 2 Presentation
The titles revealed during the Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 are indeed remarkable. Wind Waker is often hailed as one of the finest entries in the Zelda franchise, while Soulcalibur 2 offers a unique combat experience. Additionally, Chibi-Robo, a previously hard-to-find title, will soon become accessible to more players. Yet, the absence of Animal Crossing is profoundly felt in light of its impactful legacy.
YouTube link to more detailsYouTube link to more details
The original Animal Crossing on GameCube, apart from the Japan-exclusive Dōbutsu no Mori, is often considered the pinnacle of the series. It encapsulates the charm and essence that early fans cherished, a sentiment that has been somewhat diluted in newer titles. As a definitive GameCube staple, not including it on the Switch 2 deprives players of a cornerstone of gaming history and fails to address a considerable gap in the Switch’s catalog.
Lack of Animal Crossing on Switch 2: A Missed Opportunity
No New Title Confirmed for the Switch 2
The absence of an Animal Crossing title is a glaring oversight for the Switch 2. While the confirmed launch titles are impressive, they fail to deliver the cozy, immersive experience that comes with a game like Animal Crossing. This series is renowned for its ability to draw players back for continuous engagement, something that other Nintendo franchises do not replicate as effectively. Launching with an Animal Crossing title could maintain player interest and excitement as new releases gradually arrive.
Furthermore, many fans, particularly those who were introduced to the franchise through New Horizons, may be unaware of the GameCube version, making it a perfect candidate for re-introduction. By including this timeless classic, Nintendo could effectively promote both the Switch 2 and the NSO service, ensuring a greater investment in both.
Though the Switch 2 is poised to achieve commercial success even without an Animal Crossing title, the potential for enhanced sales is clear. Animal Crossing: New Horizons holds the record as the second-best-selling title on the Switch, highlighting the franchise’s draw. A re-release or new installment would harness this established momentum and entice a dedicated fan base eager for more.
A New Animal Crossing Game May Be in Development
Five Years Since the Last Installment
One potential reason for the exclusion of Animal Crossing from the NSO lineup could be that Nintendo is currently hard at work on a new installment for the Switch 2. While this remains speculation, it’s reasonable to assume that such a project is underway. Launching a GameCube version before the new title is released could potentially undermine sales of the upcoming game. It’s likely Nintendo is strategically waiting to introduce it in tandem with or after the debut of a new title.
Regardless of current developments, fans of Animal Crossing can rest assured that new content is on the horizon, whether it arrives as a new mainline game or the eventual inclusion of the GameCube version in the NSO library. Nintendo traditionally rolls out games in phases, likely to maintain player engagement over time. So, there remains a hopeful prospect that the classic GameCube installment will join other iconic titles on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the future.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube