Animal Crossing: New Horizons
News, coverage and analysis tracking Animal Crossing: New Horizons across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – April 11, 2026 – Tomodachi Life and Pokemon Champions square off for first
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of April 11, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream taking the top spot based on pre-loads alone, with Pokemon Champions and its Starter Pack in second place. The charts detail the top 30 all-games and download-only titles, featuring a mix of new releases and evergreen bestsellers.
Nintendo needs to bring back Animal Crossing’s weirdness
This opinion piece argues that the next Animal Crossing game should return to the series' roots by reintroducing the 'weirdness' and unique character interactions found in the original GameCube title. While Animal Crossing: New Horizons achieved massive success on the Nintendo Switch with its extensive customization, it has lost the distinct personality and emotional depth that made earlier entries special. The author suggests that incorporating more unpredictable villager behavior and a less uniform art style could revitalize the franchise.
Famitsu software sales (3/30/26 – 4/5/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its weekly Japanese software sales data for the period of March 30 to April 5. Pokemon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2 leads the charts, followed by Mario Kart World and Minecraft. The data includes sales figures for various games across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms.
Pokémon Pokopia review – Poké Life Sim
Pokémon Pokopia offers a relaxing life simulation experience within the Pokémon universe, blending elements of Animal Crossing and Dragon Quest Builders. Players rebuild a storm-ravaged Kanto region as a Ditto, attracting Pokémon back by creating habitats and fostering bonds. The game rewards patience and creativity with deep customization and a satisfying sense of progression, providing a peaceful escape.
Japan: Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed 5 million units sold
The Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over 5 million units in Japan since its June 2025 launch, significantly outpacing the PlayStation 5's sales in the same timeframe. The article also details this week's best-selling physical software and hardware sales figures for various consoles in Japan.
Japanese Charts: Switch 2 Hits Another Milestone As Pokémon Pokopia's Reign Continues
The latest Japanese physical game sales charts show Pokémon Pokopia remaining at number one, with its total sales approaching 1 million units. The Switch 2 console also reached a significant milestone, surpassing 5 million units sold in Japan. Other consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X saw considerably lower hardware sales compared to the Switch 2.
Animal Crossing Make-up And Skincare Available Now in Japan
Nintendo has launched a new line of Animal Crossing-themed make-up and skincare products from the brand Mitea in Japan. The collection features popular villagers like Raymond, Marshal, and Judy, as well as characters such as Tom Nook and Isabelle on the packaging. Some items have already sold out online, and it is currently unknown if the products will be released internationally.
Famitsu Sales: 3/30/26 – 4/5/26
Famitsu has released its estimated physical game software sales data for Japan for the week of March 30, 2026, to April 5, 2026. Pokemon Pokopia for Switch 2 was the top-selling game, while the Switch 2 also led hardware sales. The report details software and hardware unit sales for various platforms including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.
Famitsu sales (3/30/26 – 4/5/26) – Nintendo Switch 2 leads hardware sales
The latest Japanese hardware sales data from Famitsu shows the Nintendo Switch 2 leading with 59,543 units sold for the week of March 30 to April 5. PlayStation 5 followed with 12,141 units. Software charts indicate Pokemon Pokopia as the top seller on the Switch 2, with Minecraft and Animal Crossing: New Horizons also performing well on the original Nintendo Switch.
Tomodachi Life Fans Are Already Running Wild With Its Character Creator
Fans are already showcasing impressive and bizarre creations made with the character creator demo for Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream. Despite Nintendo's anti-image-sharing policy, players are recreating characters from various games, anime, and Western cartoons, as well as celebrities and personal acquaintances.
Keys Factory is launching a new wave of Switch 2 Animal Crossing New Horizons accessories, and it's about time
Keys Factory is launching a new line of officially licensed Animal Crossing: New Horizons accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan on August 31. The collection includes a game case, Joy-Con covers, and game card cases featuring popular characters like Isabelle and K.K. Slider. Availability outside of Japan has not yet been announced.
Nintendo seemingly deleting Super Mario Maker 2 courses because of hashtags
Nintendo is reportedly deleting user-created courses in Super Mario Maker 2 if their names contain hashtags, which the company appears to consider advertising. This action follows a similar pattern observed with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, where players faced penalties for related issues.
More Splatoon 3 Songs Have Been Added To Nintendo Music Today
Nintendo Music has added 112 new tracks to its library, primarily featuring music from Splatoon 3, including its Side Order DLC and Grand Festival. This update significantly expands the Splatoon 3 album to over 8 hours of music. Soundtracks for the original Splatoon and Splatoon 2 have also been added, requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream's viral soap opera lore expands as Nintendo embraces the "drama" and "silliness" of the life sim: "NOT HUGH FRIENDZONING ANGIE ON LIVE TV"
Nintendo is embracing the viral "soap opera" drama and silliness of its upcoming life simulation game, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. A new trailer highlights the game's ability to foster ridiculous situations and interpersonal drama between Miis, with fans actively discussing character relationships and romantic "misadventures" online.
Nintendo reveals Japan’s best-selling digital games for March 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia, Monster Hunter Stories 3, Mega Man debut
Nintendo has released the top-selling digital games for the Japanese Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 eShops for March 2026. Pokemon Pokopia led sales on the Switch 2, followed by Monster Hunter Stories 3. On the original Switch, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection debuted at number three.
The GameSir X5s is a solid budget mobile controller you can also use with the Nintendo Switch 2
The GameSir X5s is a budget-friendly mobile controller that offers broad compatibility with iOS, Android, PC, and Nintendo Switch devices for $49.99. While it features Hall Effect sticks and comfortable grips, its offset stick layout and lack of back buttons are notable drawbacks, making it best suited for newcomers or casual mobile gamers.
Board Games for Video Gamers: Tabletop That Feels Like Your Favorite Games
This guide matches board games to popular video game genres, suggesting titles like Slay the Spire: The Board Game for roguelike fans and Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion for action RPG players. It emphasizes that many board games offer similar strategic depth and satisfying loops to video games, often with a lower time commitment and a unique social element.
Fan Who ‘Manifested’ Tomodachi Life Gets Sweet Nintendo Direct Vindication
A Nintendo fan's prediction for the return of Tomodachi Life proved correct during a recent Nintendo Direct presentation, vindicating their belief against community skepticism. The article highlights the passion of the Nintendo fanbase and the company's tendency to revive beloved franchises.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – April 5, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia with another strong week
The Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of April 5, 2026, show Pokemon Pokopia retaining the top spot. South of Midnight debuted at #9, while Super Meat Boy 3D and Darwin’s Paradox dropped out of the top ten. The charts list the top 30 games and top 30 download-only titles.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – April 4, 2026 – Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 overtakes Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of April 4, 2026, show Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 reclaiming the top spot, surpassing Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. This resurgence is attributed to renewed interest following the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
