Nintendo has not announced a new mainline Animal Crossing game as of now
The most recent mainline Animal Crossing game is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released in March 2020 for Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has not publicly announced plans for a sequel or new mainline entry. The company occasionally releases updates and special events for New Horizons, but these are additions to the existing game rather than a new release.
Nintendo's pattern with Animal Crossing suggests they space out major releases by many years. Between Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012 on Nintendo 3DS) and New Horizons (2020), there was an eight-year gap. This means any new mainline game is likely still years away, though Nintendo could announce one at any time.
If you are looking to play Animal Crossing right now, New Horizons remains the current option on Switch. The game continues to receive seasonal events and limited-time items, so there is ongoing content even without a new release.
Key Takeaways
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) is the latest mainline game, and Nintendo has not announced a successor.
- Nintendo typically waits many years between Animal Crossing releases — the gap between New Leaf and New Horizons was eight years.
- New Horizons still receives seasonal updates and special events throughout the year.
- You can check Nintendo's official website or social media accounts for any future announcements about new Animal Crossing games.
Where to find official Animal Crossing news
Nintendo announces new games through its official channels: the Nintendo website, the Nintendo Switch Online app, and Nintendo's social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. If a new Animal Crossing game is in development, the announcement will appear on these platforms first.
You can also sign up for Nintendo's email newsletter through their website to receive news directly. This is more reliable than checking social media, since you will not miss an announcement if you are not actively scrolling.
Gaming news websites like IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon also cover Nintendo announcements, so following one of these sites is another way to stay informed without checking Nintendo directly.
What Animal Crossing games are playable right now
If you own a Nintendo Switch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is your only option for a current mainline game. It is available as a physical cartridge or digital read through the Nintendo eShop.
If you have a Nintendo 3DS (an older handheld console), you can still play Animal Crossing: New Leaf, though Nintendo no longer sells it in most regions and the online features have been shut down. The game is playable offline.
Older Animal Crossing games exist on GameCube, Wii, and Wii U, but these require older consoles that are no longer in production. If you are just getting started with gaming, New Horizons on Switch is the practical choice.
How New Horizons differs from older Animal Crossing games
New Horizons introduced a deserted island setting instead of a town. You start with nothing and gradually build up your island by catching fish, collecting bugs, gathering resources, and decorating. This is different from earlier games, where you moved into an established town with existing residents.
The game also introduced terraforming — the ability to reshape your island's terrain by raising or lowering land and creating rivers and cliffs. Older games did not allow this level of customization.
New Horizons also removed some features that were in New Leaf, like the ability to become mayor or run a shop. These changes made the game feel fresh but also meant some longtime players missed certain mechanics.
Why Nintendo takes time between Animal Crossing releases
Animal Crossing games are designed to be played over months or years, not finished in a few weeks. Each game includes seasonal events, daily tasks, and ongoing reasons to log in regularly. This long-term engagement model means Nintendo does not need to release new entries frequently.
Additionally, each new Animal Crossing game is a major undertaking. New Horizons took several years to develop and required building new systems, graphics, and content from the ground up. Nintendo prioritizes quality and longevity over rapid releases.
The company also focuses on other franchises in the meantime — Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and others all compete for development resources and player attention.
What to expect if a new Animal Crossing is announced
When Nintendo does announce a new Animal Crossing game, it will likely come to Nintendo Switch or whatever console Nintendo releases next. The announcement will include a release date, usually several months away, and details about what makes the new game different.
Pre-orders typically open a few weeks after the announcement. If you are interested in playing on day one, you can reserve a copy through the Nintendo eShop or at retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, or Amazon.
Nintendo often releases special edition Switch consoles or controllers alongside major game launches, so there may be themed hardware available if you want to upgrade your device at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a new Animal Crossing game coming in 2024 or 2025?
Nintendo has not announced any new Animal Crossing game for 2024 or 2025. Based on the company's history of spacing releases many years apart, a new mainline game is unlikely in the near term, but Nintendo could announce one at any time.
Will a new Animal Crossing come to Switch or a different console?
If a new Animal Crossing is announced, it will most likely come to Nintendo Switch since that is the current main console. It could also release on whatever console Nintendo launches next, but that is years away.
Can I play Animal Crossing on my phone or tablet?
Nintendo released Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp for mobile phones, but it is a free-to-play game with a different structure than the mainline games. It is not the same experience as New Horizons, though it is a way to play Animal Crossing on a mobile device.
What should I do if I want to play Animal Crossing now?
Buy or borrow Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch. It is the current game and still receives updates. You can play it for hundreds of hours without finishing it, since the game is designed to be ongoing rather than completed.
How do I know when a new Animal Crossing is announced?
Follow Nintendo's official social media accounts, check their website regularly, or sign up for their email newsletter. Gaming news websites will also report the announcement when ready, so you will see it across multiple platforms if it happens.