Animal Crossing: New Horizons
News, coverage and analysis tracking Animal Crossing: New Horizons across the outlets.
Famitsu software sales (6/1/26 – 6/7/26) – Top 30Famitsu has released its weekly Japanese software sales data for the period of June 1st to June 7th. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch topped the charts, followed by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and eFootball Kick-Off on Nintendo Switch 2. The data includes sales figures for various games across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms.
Study Measures Heart Rate Across 16 Games to Find the Most Stressful — Dark Souls Almost Wins, but Mario KartA study by BonusFinder US monitored the heart rates of 14 gamers across 16 titles to determine which games induce the most physiological stress. Mario Kart ranked highest for average heart rate increase over a 30-minute session, while Dark Souls III produced the most extreme peak heart rate spike during a boss fight. Conversely, games like Animal Crossing and The Sims were found to lower heart rates below resting levels.
UK Charts: FF7 Rebirth Falls Off A Cliff As FC 26 Returns To The Top SpotThe latest UK video game sales charts show EA SPORTS FC 26 returning to the number one spot, likely due to the start of the World Cup 2026. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth saw a significant drop from second to thirtieth place, a common trend for games after their initial launch week. No new titles entered the top 40 this week.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia back in the top fiveEA Sports FC 26 has reclaimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026, driven by World Cup interest. Nintendo's Pokemon Pokopia also re-entered the top five, leading other Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – June 14, 2026 – Xenoblade makes a run at Pokemon PokopiaThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of June 14, 2026, show Xenoblade Chronicles making a strong showing, with its upgrade pack at second place and the full game at sixth. Pokemon Pokopia remains at the top spot. New entries in the top ten include The Adventures of Elliot and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – June 13, 2026 – Tomodachi Life continues dominant runThe Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of June 13, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream maintaining its top position. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Minecraft follow in second and third place, respectively, with the rest of the top ten featuring a mix of popular Nintendo titles and other notable games.
Talking Point: Switch 2 Console Special Editions - What Would You Like To See?This article discusses the potential for special edition models of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. It contrasts the subdued launch colors with the more vibrant options of the original Switch and explores fan desires for themed consoles, citing examples like Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda. The piece also touches on the economic factors that might influence Nintendo's decision to release new hardware variants.
Japanese gamers reveal their favourite games and the answers might surprise youA survey by Japanese magazine Famitsu revealed that RPGs dominate the preferences of Japanese gamers, with series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy being highly influential and desired. Nintendo was named the nation's favorite developer, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a top pick for recommendations and replaying. The survey highlights a significant difference in gaming tastes compared to Western markets, with a strong emphasis on adventure and anime-style games in Japan.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, moreFamitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Cases ComingMax Games has announced two new carrying cases for the Nintendo Switch 2 inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, set to release in Japan in early August 2026. These cases will feature designs based on the game's characters and motifs, with one being a gingham check pattern and the other featuring Tom Nook. A themed cartridge case will also be available.
Tuesday’s Direct was the opposite of what Nintendo and the Switch 2 neededThe recent Nintendo Direct presentation for the Switch 2 has been criticized for failing to meet expectations, particularly for Western audiences. Despite featuring games like Rhythm Paradise Groove, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, and multiple Xenoblade titles, the lineup lacked major first-party franchises and new intellectual property, leading to disappointment and concerns about the console's appeal and pricing strategy.
Nintendo Alarmo Adds Donkey Kong Bananza ThemeNintendo has released a new Donkey Kong-themed update for its Alarmo sound clock application. This update adds multiple alarm sounds from the new Switch 2 title, Donkey Kong Bananza, including a theme based on the Emerald Rush DLC and a DK interface theme. This follows previous updates that added themes for Animal Crossing and Mario.
Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo update out now, adds support for Donkey Kong BananzaNintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo has received an update adding support for Donkey Kong Country Returns: Donkey Kong Bananza, including seven new alarm types from the game and its DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC. Users need a Nintendo Account to download the update. This follows previous updates for games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Super Mario Odyssey.
Solarpunk MMO Loftia Is Heading into Early Access on Steam Soon!The solarpunk-themed MMO Loftia, inspired by games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, is set to launch into Early Access in Fall 2026. Developed by Qloud Games, the game focuses on farming, crafting, decorating, and social interaction on floating islands, with an emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy. Loftia will be available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 6, 2026 – Nintendo Switch 2 gives Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth a big boostThe latest UK software sales chart for the week ending June 6, 2026, shows Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth re-entering the top ten at number four following its release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Other titles like Pokemon Pokopia and Mario Kart World also charted within the top ten.
UK Charts: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Makes A Solid Debut On Switch 2Final Fantasy VII Rebirth debuted at number 4 on the UK physical sales charts for the Nintendo Switch 2. While the game has been available on PlayStation 5 for over two years, its strong performance on Nintendo's new console is notable, with all sales attributed to the Switch 2, including those from its Game-Key Card format.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – June 7, 2026 – Yoshi reclaims the top spotThe Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of June 7, 2026, show "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" reclaiming the top spot. "Mina the Hollower" dropped to fourth place, while "eFootball Kick-Off" debuted at eighth. The charts list the top-selling games and download-only titles on the platform.
Feature: Switch 2, Year One - How Closely Did Nintendo Follow Its Own Playbook?This analysis examines how closely Nintendo followed its historical game release patterns for the first year of the Nintendo Switch 2. While many expected titles like Mario Kart and Pokémon appeared, notable absences include mainline Super Mario and Xenoblade Chronicles games. The article also forecasts potential releases for Year Two, considering factors like price hikes and franchise trends.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – June 6, 2026 – Tomodachi Life clears againThe Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of June 6, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top position. Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen debuted at #9, while Mina the Hollower dropped out of the top ten. The article also lists the top 30 overall games and top 30 download-only games.
Nintendo Switch 2 At One: Nintendo’s Biggest Wins, Misses, And SurprisesThe Nintendo Switch 2 has had a strong sales start, becoming Nintendo's fastest-selling console, but momentum is slowing. While it offers good value compared to competitors, its first-party game lineup has not yet matched the success of its predecessor, relying heavily on third-party titles. Nintendo's continued practice of charging for graphical upgrades and other services has also frustrated some owners.