Animal Crossing: New Horizons
News, coverage and analysis tracking Animal Crossing: New Horizons across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Famitsu software sales (8/17/26 – 8/23/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of August 17, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove for Nintendo Switch topped the charts, followed by Splatoon Raiders and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch respectively. The data includes sales figures for various titles across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 22, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia, Tomodachi Life, and Mario Kart in the top 5
The UK software sales chart for the week ending August 22, 2026, shows EA Sports FC 26 reclaiming the top spot. Nintendo titles remain strong, with Pokemon Pokopia and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream at #2 and #3, and Mario Kart World at #5. Mortal Shell II entered the top 5 at #4.
Iwata wanted everyone at Nintendo to play Animal Crossing: New Leaf months before launch to understand unique value
Former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata insisted that all employees play Animal Crossing: New Leaf months before its launch to fully grasp its unique value. This directive aimed to ensure a deep understanding of the game's appeal across the company.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 22, 2026 – Tomodachi Life, Smash Bros., and Minecraft
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 22, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Minecraft follow in second and third place, respectively, with other popular titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Pokemon FireRed also appearing on the charts.
"Every single employee at Nintendo Europe" was tasked with playing Animal Crossing: New Leaf daily, months before launch, by former boss Satoru Iwata, says ex PR
Former Nintendo PR manager Ashley Day revealed that late Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata mandated all Nintendo Europe employees play Animal Crossing: New Leaf daily for months before its launch. This unusual strategy aimed to ensure staff understood the game's charm and habitual gameplay loop, contributing to its eventual success.
Famitsu software sales (8/3/26 – 8/16/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released the Japanese software sales data for the weeks of August 3-9 and August 10-16, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove and Splatoon Raiders topped the charts for both weeks on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 respectively. Several new titles debuted, including Beast of Reincarnation and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls on PlayStation 5, and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch 2.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 15, 2026 – Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered shoots to the top for Nintendo Switch 2 launch
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered debuted at number one on the UK software sales chart for the week ending August 15, 2026, driven by its launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo titles Pokemon Pokopia, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, and Mario Kart World also performed strongly, holding the second, third, and fourth positions respectively.
Nintendo has not “lost its soul” – here’s why
This article argues that Nintendo has not lost its soul, despite concerns arising from remakes and industry trends. While acknowledging the increasing cost of gaming and the shift towards digital, it highlights Nintendo's continued focus on charm, personality, and satisfying gameplay in titles like Mario Kart World and Pokemon Pokopia. The piece also touches on Nintendo's strategic decisions regarding hardware and non-game features, concluding that while some aspects may be missed, the core spirit remains intact.
RE-MENT Sets November 2026 for Animal Crossing: Happy Room 2 Blind Box Figures
RE-MENT has announced the "Animal Crossing: Happy Room 2" blind box figures, scheduled for release in November 2026. Each box costs 1650 JPY and contains one of six possible designs, continuing the collectible merchandise trend for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 15, 2026 – Tomodachi Life still winning, The Lord of the Rings debuts
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 15, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remaining in the top spot. The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition debuted at number 16 overall and third in the download-only ranking.
Aniimo Sets September 15 Launch: A Free Open-World Creature-Collector With Zelda And Animal Crossing Vibes
Aniimo, a free open-world creature-collecting RPG from Pawprint Interactive, is set to launch on September 15 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, and Android. The game features real-time combat and an open-world map, drawing comparisons to Pokémon, Palworld, The Legend of Zelda, and Animal Crossing. Special editions with bonus in-game items are available for pre-order.
LEGO Timmy and Tommy's Fun Day Out Is Easily the Best Animal Crossing Set So Far
This review praises the new LEGO set featuring Animal Crossing characters Timmy and Tommy, calling it the best set to date for capturing the spirit of the game. The reviewer highlights how the set successfully embodies the essence of the Animal Crossing franchise.
Pokémon Pokopia Sells 5 Minion Copies Four Months After Release — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Pokémon Pokopia, a crafting and building simulator, has released its first DLC, Bubbly Basin, on August 5. This DLC adds underwater exploration and city building capabilities. Future DLCs are planned for late 2026 and 2027, introducing new accessories and an additional town.
If you're not paying attention to retro game recompilations, you're missing the most exciting thing in gaming…
The article argues that retro game recompilations, which involve reverse-engineering and rewriting old game code for modern hardware, represent the most exciting development in gaming. These fan-made projects offer enhanced graphics, accessibility options, and improved performance, often surpassing official preservation efforts. While facing challenges like low-effort AI-generated content, the scene is rapidly growing with numerous notable recompilations and more anticipated.
Massively on the Go: Pokopia just feels like a more single-player Animal Crossing
Pokopia, a Pokemon-themed building game, offers robust single-player content with a compelling story and extensive building options, surpassing Animal Crossing in these aspects. However, its multiplayer features feel underdeveloped and largely skippable, serving more as a catch-up mechanic than a collaborative experience. While fun for solo players or those with dedicated building friends, the game struggles to deliver the engaging multiplayer MMO experience many players desire.
Three Nintendo 3DS Games That Practically Everyone Owned In The 2010s
During the 2010s, the Nintendo 3DS and its 2DS relative were ubiquitous handhelds, boasting a strong library that included popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokémon X and Y, and Mario Kart 7. These games, along with backward compatibility with DS titles, contributed to the system's significant sales success and enduring popularity.
Games Inbox: Is the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition worth it?
Readers discuss various gaming topics, including the pricing strategy for Grand Theft Auto 6's Ultimate Edition and the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 launch with a new Luigi's Mansion title. Other discussions touch on Star Wars game settings, the appeal of indie co-op games like Big Walk, and the lack of special edition consoles.
One of the first Animal Crossing speedrunners spent 4,300 hours catching shrimp in an MMO "just to see if I…
An Old School RuneScape player named Carter 'Bosby' Larson has completed a 4,300-hour grind to reach Fishing level 99 by exclusively catching shrimp and anchovies. The achievement, spanning over two years, was recognized by developer Jagex. Larson stated the experience was worthwhile due to the people he met and the personal challenge of seeing a long-term, albeit unusual, goal through to completion.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 8, 2026 – Resident Evil Requiem on top, Pokemon Pokopia leads for Nintendo Switch 2
Resident Evil Requiem has reclaimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending August 8, 2026. Pokemon Pokopia leads for Nintendo Switch 2, rising to third place, while Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remains at fourth.
The LEGO Animal Crossing Museum Set Is Perfect for Cozy Collectors, Now 41% Off
The LEGO Animal Crossing Museum set, featuring a buildable version of Blathers's Museum, is currently available at a 41% discount on Amazon. This merchandise is particularly appealing to collectors who enjoy the cozy aspects of the Animal Crossing franchise.