Why The Animal Crossing on Switch 2 Rumors Have Some Legs

Why The Animal Crossing on Switch 2 Rumors Have Some Legs

Highlights

  • Rumors suggest a new Animal Crossing game may launch in 2026 for Nintendo’s next game console.
  • With a six-year gap between New Horizons and a potential sequel, the window seems plausible, although nothing is confirmed yet.
  • Nintendo could benefit greatly from putting Animal Crossing on Switch 2 due to the franchise’s proven popularity and appeal.

As a gamer who has spent countless hours catching fish and bugs in the idyllic world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I can confidently say that the rumors about a new game in 2026 for Nintendo’s next console have me more excited than Tom Nook at the sight of a rare fossil!


The Animal Crossing series, developed by Nintendo, has rapidly grown to be one of their most successful video game franchises. The newest addition to the series, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, has emerged as one of the top-selling games for the Nintendo Switch due to its broad appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. This title has proven to be a significant draw for Nintendo’s hybrid platform, with sales exceeding 44 million units – nearly three-and-a-half times more than the previous best-selling Animal Crossing game. As such, Nintendo has found itself sitting on a veritable goldmine with this franchise.

It’s not unexpected that there’s talk circulating about a new installment in the series. Allegedly, Nintendo is planning to present the upcoming Animal Crossing game during the launch of its next system, tentatively scheduled for 2026. Keep in mind that these are just rumors and should be met with skepticism, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Nintendo were indeed preparing for the next Animal Crossing release.

Animal Crossing On Switch 2 Feels Like A Given

The Wait For A New Animal Crossing Has Gone Long Enough

Four years have now passed since the debut of “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” By this point, it’s reasonable for gamers to anticipate some fresh content. If the speculated 2026 release date is accurate, that suggests a six-year interval before the next installment arrives in the series.

Compared to the regular release cadence of Animal Crossing games, which usually arrive every three to four years, New Horizons is an exception, having been released eight years after its predecessor. In today’s gaming world where sequels sometimes take longer to come out, six years seems a reasonable gap for a follow-up to such a wildly popular game, given Nintendo’s cost-effective production strategies.

Why Wouldn’t Nintendo Put Animal Crossing On Switch 2?

Given this situation, it’s hard to think of a compelling reason why Nintendo wouldn’t consider releasing a new “Animal Crossing” game on their upcoming console. The latest installment, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” has only been surpassed in sales by “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” among Switch games, and since its launch in 2020, it’s skyrocketed to become a significant cultural sensation. This series has always had a strong following, but “New Horizons” shattered records, outperforming the franchise’s best-selling titles within just about two months.

There’s no denying that the Animal Crossing series is extremely popular right now, attracting gamers from various backgrounds. The success of this franchise in driving people to purchase a Switch is evident, and Nintendo fans are eagerly anticipating their next platform. If Nintendo aims to draw a vast audience similar to what the Switch achieved, introducing a beloved franchise like Animal Crossing would be an obvious choice.

As a longtime gamer myself, I can attest that this franchise is universally appealing and accessible to gamers of all stripes. It has undeniably demonstrated its ability to entice people, including me, into purchasing a Nintendo Switch. The game’s captivating storyline, intuitive controls, and immersive gameplay make it an irresistible addition to any gamer’s library. In my personal experience, I found myself eagerly awaiting each new installment, and the excitement of playing with friends only added to the allure. This franchise has truly revolutionized the gaming industry, and I can confidently say that it is a must-have for anyone who considers themselves a serious gamer.

Animal Crossing on Switch 2 Should Still Be Taken As A Rumor

1. It’s crucial to emphasize that this rumor should be viewed skeptically. The user who shared it, “NWeedle,” doesn’t have a track record of trustworthy and accurate leaks, so it’s wise to exercise caution before believing such a rumor. Additionally, the initial tweet contains information that has been translated from Spanish, which means there might be potential misunderstandings or errors due to translation.

Still, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to imagine a new Animal Crossing game coming along for the Switch 2, especially early in its life. Given how successful the series – along with the sheer explosion in popularity that it saw with New Horizons – Nintendo has to be thinking about how it can capitalize on such popularity with this series. Ultimately, whether NWeedle is correct or not, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo wastes no time announcing a new Animal Crossing for the next system.

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2024-08-17 13:04