One of Nintendo’s Best Games is Getting the LEGO Treatment in 2026, But It’s a Mixed Bag

by

As a big fan of both LEGO and Animal Crossing, I was so excited when the LEGO set came out in March 2024 – it felt like a dream come true! They really captured the relaxing, charming feel of the game with the first set, and throughout 2025 they kept adding more and more, like Nook’s Cranny, the Museum, and all my favorite villagers. It wasn’t just a quick trend; it became a whole little world for those of us who loved Animal Crossing when it first came out in 2020.

The recent rumors about a LEGO Animal Crossing set coming in 2026 aren’t very exciting. Currently, only one small set—a 33-piece polybag—is reportedly planned, and details about what it will build or which characters it will include are unknown. It’s unclear if this is all there is, or just a first step towards a bigger collection. Given how popular and beloved Animal Crossing is, it feels like this single, small set doesn’t quite live up to the potential.

The Pro: Animal Crossing Polybags Can Turn Villagers Into Instant Collectibles

Good news for LEGO and Animal Crossing enthusiasts! This new mixed bag of LEGO pieces might be worth checking out. Polybags, like this one, are often limited in quantity, and fans of both LEGO and Animal Crossing appreciate the appeal of rare items.

Among LEGO enthusiasts, small polybags often become surprisingly valuable over time. Experienced collectors and online communities frequently share stories of exclusive characters – particularly from themes like Star Wars and Marvel – that were only ever available in these small sets, and never sold as part of larger, full-priced collections. This limited availability can turn a simple build into a highly sought-after item for collectors. If LEGO continues this practice, it could be very beneficial.

  • A villager exclusive could instantly become a must-have. It would be like trying to get Raymond the cat as a villager in 2020 all over again.
  • Minor Animal Crossing NPCs or niche fan favorites could finally get representation.
  • The low piece count keeps the focus squarely on the minifigure.
  • The lower price of polybags can be a great entry point for fans who cannot commit to pricier sets just yet—especially if bigger Animal Crossing LEGO sets are planned for later in 2026.

This strategy works well for Animal Crossing. The game is really about connecting with individual villagers – the ones players fondly remember even after they’ve stopped playing. A small LEGO set, like a polybag, could feature a less popular but still beloved character. Instead of feeling small, this curated set would feel special and thoughtful.

The Con: Animal Crossing Deserves Full LEGO Sets in 2026, Not Just a Polybag

Even if the rumors are true and no more Animal Crossingthemed LEGO sets are released in 2025, the real letdown wouldn’t be the small polybag itself, but what its existence implies. Animal Crossing games are all about creating a sense of place – the joy comes from returning to familiar locations like town halls, cafes, and homes filled with memories. Previous LEGO Animal Crossing* sets captured this feeling with detailed, buildable locations that felt like real places. This single polybag, however, suggests a lack of those immersive, expansive builds.

  • No new locations to expand existing LEGO Animal Crossing villages
  • No modular builds to integrate with earlier sets
  • No narrative sense of “place,” which is core to Animal Crossing’s identity

Polybags are meant to be small, individual sets. For the LEGO Animal Crossing line, which was just starting to expand, returning to these smaller releases doesn’t feel like a deliberate creative choice, but rather a temporary break. It could be a way to test new ideas or prepare for something bigger, but it also might signal a slowdown in development. For collectors who have been building their LEGO Animal Crossing worlds, 2026 doesn’t currently look like a big event, but more like a period of waiting to see what happens next.

A Rumored Small Release for Animal Crossing LEGO in 2026—For Now

Currently, the future of the LEGO Animal Crossing theme is unclear. We only have rumors of a small, 33-piece polybag set with no confirmed characters, and it’s unknown if this is a limited release or the beginning of a larger collection.

If this is the only LEGO Animal Crossing set released this year, it’s easy to see why fans might be disappointed. The series has shown it can handle much bigger and more detailed builds. However, if the small polybag contains a rare character or a special moment, it could still become a memorable part of the LEGO line. That seems appropriate for a game centered around patience, daily routines, and anticipating what each new day will bring. Animal Crossing often rewards players who take their time and enjoy the experience, even when things seem a little sparse.

Read More

2026-01-01 14:04