Animal Crossing Could Makes its Mark on Switch 2 Soon, But With an Asterisk

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Although a new “Animal Crossing” game on the Switch 2 appears likely following the triumph of “New Horizons,” fans might need to be patient for its release. Yet, there are numerous ways Nintendo can occupy the “Animal Crossing” void in the interim. While it may not match the game fans envision, conditions appear favorable for an “Animal Crossing” title to arrive on the Switch 2 ahead of schedule.

Instead of waiting for the next main installment in the Animal Crossing series, Nintendo could reintroduce some spin-offs during this time. For example, they could revive games like Happy Home Designer, its DLC for New Horizons, or even give another shot at the Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival. However, there’s an even more straightforward release that could fit on the Switch 2, and it could arrive just in time. By taking players back to where the series began, Nintendo could introduce new fans to the roots of Animal Crossing, all while leveraging a potential exclusive service for the Switch 2.

An Animal Crossing Game Could Be Hitting the Switch 2 Soon, But It May Not Be the One Fans Think

The Original GameCube Animal Crossing Seems Primed for a Nintendo Switch 2 Online Addition

Among its numerous enhancements, one of the standout features of the Switch 2 compared to its predecessor is the ability it provides to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers to access a collection of GameCube games. Unlike the original Switch which offered access to classic game libraries from consoles like NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis, the GameCube’s library was previously unavailable on Nintendo’s Virtual Console. The arrival of GameCube games on the Switch 2 opens up a potential rerelease of the original Animal Crossing game on the service, which may help alleviate anticipation for a new installment on the console.

Playing “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” on the upcoming Switch 2 offers a refreshing change of pace for fans who’ve been immersed in the island life of “New Horizons” for five years. The retro experience it provides on the console can serve as a nice break from the familiar gameplay. On the other hand, the original “Animal Crossing” might feel quite different due to its simpler mechanics and older graphics. However, by releasing the GameCube version of the game on NSO, Switch 2 players could enjoy both worlds: they could savor the experience offered by “New Horizons,” while also exploring the more diverse villager personalities found in the original game.

At its debut, The Switch 2 offers a selection of Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) GameCube games such as “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,” “F-Zero GX,” and “SoulCalibur 2.” Additional titles are set to be added to the service in the future.

Animal Crossing on GameCube NSO Could Kill Two Birds With One Stone

Apart from offering fans of the “Animal Crossing” franchise a throwback experience as they anticipate the next installment of “New Horizons,” introducing the original “Animal Crossing” game on GameCube NSO would also cater to newcomers who joined with “New Horizons.” The original game is known for its more intense Villager personalities, increased drama among Villagers, and a more grasping Tom Nook. All of these elements have been softened in subsequent releases. Thus, allowing new players to witness the progression of the series, particularly in terms of character development within the Villagers, would be an excellent reason to subscribe to GameCube NSO if the game were made available on the service.

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One standout characteristic that may grab attention on the Switch 2 could be its multiplayer element, which was scarcely present in the initial Animal Crossing game. In the original version, players were only able to visit other towns using a second memory card on a GameCube, provided it contained save data for that specific town. Each town could accommodate up to four distinct player profiles, but real-time multiplayer wasn’t achievable. The potential launch of Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) might transcend a simple port and incorporate innovative multiplayer elements, enabling players to visit friends’ towns and engage in simultaneous gameplay, thereby highlighting the social capabilities of the Switch 2, such as GameChat.

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2025-06-06 17:09