Animal Crossing: New Horizons
News, coverage and analysis tracking Animal Crossing: New Horizons across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Nintendo celebrates Animal Crossing turning 25 with a charming commemorative item to display on your New Horizons island
Nintendo is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Animal Crossing series with a commemorative in-game item for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, delivered via a recent update. The update, version 3.0.2, also includes various bug fixes for both the base game and the Happy Home Paradise DLC on Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0.2 Released
Nintendo has released update 3.0.2 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Animal Crossing series. The update includes a commemorative leaf ornament for players.
Animal Crossing celebrates 25th anniversary, New Horizons updated to Version 3.0.2
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has received update Version 3.0.2 on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, coinciding with the series' 25th anniversary. The update adds a commemorative leaf logo statue obtainable from the in-game mailbox and includes various bug fixes for both the base game and the Happy Home Paradise DLC. Additionally, 158 songs from the original Animal Crossing soundtrack have been added to the Nintendo Music app for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Has Been Updated To Version 3.0.2, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Nintendo has released version 3.0.2 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch, adding a commemorative "Leaf Object" item via the in-game mailbox to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary. The update also includes numerous bug fixes for both the base game and the Happy Home Paradise DLC, addressing issues with furniture placement, crafting, item display, and villager behavior.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Has Been Updated To Version 3.0.2
Nintendo has released update Version 3.0.2 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary. The update includes a "Leaf Object" delivered via the in-game mailbox. Additionally, the Animal Crossing GameCube soundtrack has been added to the Nintendo Music app.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0.2 update out now, special gift available
Nintendo has released version 3.0.2 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch, which includes the addition of a free leaf statue item available via the in-home mailbox. This gift celebrates 25 years of the Animal Crossing series, which began with Dobutsu no Mori on the N64 in 2001.
Animal Crossing's GameCube Soundtrack Has Been Added To Nintendo Music
Nintendo has added the complete 158-track soundtrack from the original GameCube Animal Crossing game, along with music from Doubutsu no Mori e+, to its Nintendo Music service. This includes over five hours of music, featuring iconic themes and character songs. Access to the Nintendo Music service requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
UK software sales chart for the week ending April 11, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia rises
The UK software sales chart for the week ending April 11, 2026, shows Resident Evil Requiem as the overall top seller. Pokemon Pokopia saw a significant rise to second place, while Mario Kart World dropped to fifth. The chart lists the top 40 best-selling games for the period.
Nintendo reveals Europe’s best-selling digital games for March 2026
Nintendo has released the top 15 best-selling digital games in Europe for March 2026 across both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Pokemon Pokopia secured the top spot, followed by the new release Monster Hunter Stories 3. The list includes a variety of popular titles across both console generations.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – April 12, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia leads, Pragmata approaches
The latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of April 12, 2026, show Pokemon Pokopia leading sales. Pragmata is also making a strong showing with pre-loads beginning. The charts detail top-selling games and download-only titles on the platform.
Two First-Party Switch 2 Ratings Have Been Spotted
New ratings for Splatoon Raiders and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave have reportedly appeared on Nintendo's European webpages, indicating PEGI 7 and PEGI 12 ratings respectively. Fire Emblem is slated for a 2026 release, while Splatoon Raiders' release date is currently unconfirmed. The article also mentions other upcoming and recently released Nintendo Switch titles.
Opinion: Of All Things, Animal Crossing (And 'FOPI') Has Made Me A Switch 2 Evangelist
The author has become an advocate for the Nintendo Switch 2, not due to its features, but due to the convenience it offers for family play and its perceived value against rising console prices. The article highlights how Animal Crossing: New Horizons facilitated family bonding and led to discussions about purchasing a Switch 2, especially in light of potential price increases for other consoles like the PlayStation 5.
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.
