Nintendo has confirmed that players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will have a seamless experience when transferring their islands to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Fans can rest assured that their valuable island creations will remain intact during the transition to the new console.
As highlighted by Polygon, the full system transfer process from the original Switch to Switch 2 encompasses the transfer of Animal Crossing: New Horizons islands. This means players can move their islands without needing a specialized app while retaining all the time and effort they’ve invested in crafting their virtual paradise.
Takuhiro Dohta, the Senior Director of Nintendo’s Programming Management Group, elaborated on this process in an interview with Polygon:
“So I should clarify that when you do the system transfer, everything like save data will remain on the Nintendo Switch and once it moves to the Nintendo Switch 2 as well.. .. But the [Animal Crossing] island will be an actual move. So it will leave Nintendo Switch and move over to Nintendo Switch 2.”
This announcement comes amid various consumer concerns regarding the pricing and available content for Nintendo’s next-generation console, particularly after recent Switch 2 Direct presentations. Fans of Animal Crossing expressed notable disappointment as none of the Directs featured any fresh updates or expansions related to the beloved franchise.
Seamless Transition for Animal Crossing Enthusiasts
No App or Cloud Uploads Required
Previously, players were tasked with utilizing the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Island Transfer Tool app or cloud uploads to transfer their islands between consoles. Now, the only requirement is to perform the system transfer as specified in the official guide from Nintendo, eliminating the need for any additional apps.
It’s crucial for fans to understand, however, that this transfer does not create a duplicate of their island on the Switch 2. Instead, the island will be completely relocated from the original Switch, rendering it inaccessible on that device after transfer. Consequently, players should execute the full system transfer with care, particularly given that the ability to transfer data back to the original Switch from the newer console has not been confirmed.
Our Perspective: When Will Switch 2 Host Its Own Animal Crossing Game?
Fans Are Eager for New Animal Crossing Content
Dedicated fans of the Animal Crossing series expressed their dissatisfaction over the absence of a new game announcement alongside the Switch 2 reveal. The launch of New Horizons on the Switch in March 2020 was met with significant enthusiasm, including a special edition console. While the transfer feature is a positive development, it may not be enough to sway die-hard players who are particularly keen for new content, especially as Nintendo currently has no plans to release pre-New Horizons GameCube titles for the Switch 2.
To retain a substantial segment of its player base, Nintendo must introduce new Animal Crossing content on the Switch 2 platform. Speculation lingers that the company is developing a new installment quietly, perhaps with thoughts of releasing another themed console. In the meantime, players can take solace in being able to continue nurturing their islands and engaging with their beloved villagers from Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Switch 2.
Source: Polygon