Why A New Animal Crossing Game Announcement Is Looking More & More Likely, Despite Total Silence From Nintendo

Since its release over two decades ago, the Nintendo-exclusive Animal Crossing franchise has amassed quite a following. The series has captured the hearts of players of all ages with charming characters from several animal species, relaxing gameplay that includes fishing and bug-catching, and endless customization options.

Each installment brings new features and fresh experiences, typically within a few years. However, the release of ACNH broke this pattern. Despite the longer-than-usual wait between game releases, Animal Crossing has thrived. Many fans wonder what the future release schedule will be​​​.

Animal Crossing Games Usually Release Every Few Years - With One Exception

The Release Between New Leaf And New Horizons Was Long

Since its initial release in 2001 on the Nintendo 64 system, Animal Crossing has released a steady stream of games with only a few years between new releases—except, of course, when New Horizons was released eight years after its predecessor, New Leaf. Luckily, though, Nintendo's schedule has mostly been just a few years between releases of the Animal Crossing franchise.

After the first Animal Crossing in 2001, Animal Crossing: Wild World was released on the Nintendo DS in 2005. Animal Crossing: City Folk came out in 2008 on the Wii, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf in 2012 and 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS. Between those games there were three to four years between each release. The only exception to the usual schedule was when Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released in 2020, a whopping eight years after New Leaf.

The eight-year gap between New Leaf and New Horizons was the longest wait fans of the series had ever experienced, but the game's massive success and record-breaking sales proved it was well worth the wait. Still, fans were eager for new content during the gap and now wonder if future installments will follow the traditional release timeline or if longer gaps will become the norm for the franchise.

Fortunately, though unconfirmed by Nintendo, fans will likely get some Animal Crossing announcement sooner rather than later.

Switch 2's Release Could Impact The Next Animal Crossing

How The Nintendo Switch 2 Could Impact Animal Crossing

With Nintendo Switch 2's anticipated release looking likely for the summer of 2025, Animal Crossing could make its debut soon after. Fans of the franchise may even get a look into the next Animal Crossing game, with the Nintendo Switch 2's announcement coming up in early 2025. However, it's more likely that Nintendo will want to wait until the mid-cycle of the Nintendo Switch 2 release to release the next Animal Crossing ​​​​​​installment.

While Nintendo has kept its lips tightly sealed regarding all things Animal Crossing, there are a few reasons why fans might see an announcement or even a release during the mid-cycle. Waiting until the mid-cycle of Nintendo Switch 2 would allow Nintendo to fully capitalize on the console's capabilities and ensure the game takes full advantage of the improved hardware and performance features.

Plus, releasing it mid-cycle would prevent Animal Crossing from competing with initial launch titles, as it deserves to be the main focus. Another advantage of waiting would be that Nintendo could focus on implementing important lessons from players to make the next Animal Crossing game the best it can be.

On the other hand, if Nintendo were to release the game sooner, it would maintain the console's momentum and keep Animal Crossing relevant during the initial Switch 2 launch window. A quicker release could generate excitement, boosting the system's launch to attract both old and new players right from the start. Whatever the case, hopefully, the wait will pay off with new and improved features in island designing and player-to-villager interactions.

5 Years On From Animal Crossing: New Horizons, We're Closer Than Ever To A New AC Game

It's Been Five Years Since ACNH, What's Next?

It has been nearly five years since Animal Crossing: New Horizons graced fans with its charming island life, and players continue to enjoy its relaxing gameplay today. Despite the long wait between New Leaf and New Horizons, the game's enduring popularity has kept the Animal Crossing franchise alive and well, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's next.

Initially, Animal Crossing games were released with just a few years between each game. Now that it has been almost five years since the release of the last installment, fans are hopeful that the wait for a new entry won't be much longer. If Nintendo reverts to its old release schedule, fans could see a new installment very soon. It might even be within the new year, shortly after the Switch 2 is released. Either way, fans are closer than ever to a new Animal Crossing ​​​​​​game.

This is all speculation, though. Nintendo has yet to confirm any specifics regarding the release schedule for Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch 2. Fans will have to wait and see how Nintendo plans to approach the next installment.