Animal Crossing: New Horizons
News, coverage and analysis tracking Animal Crossing: New Horizons across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The Sunday Papers
This article presents a surreal journey through a supermarket, encountering various gaming-related articles and discussions. It touches upon "The Blood of Dawnwalker," a sports business scandal involving Steve Ballmer and the NBA, a review of "The Blood of Dawnwalker's" stealth mechanics, and a guide on hosting LAN parties. The narrative blends fictional encounters with commentary on real-world gaming and business topics.
The confusing discrepancies of Nintendo Switch 2 Editions
This article analyzes the inconsistent naming conventions and pricing for Nintendo Switch 2 Editions and game updates. It highlights discrepancies where some games receive free performance enhancements without being labeled as a 'Switch 2 Edition,' while others are paid upgrades with minimal new content, leading to confusion for consumers.
Nintendo is a far better industry leader than PlayStation and this week proved it - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that Nintendo is a superior industry leader compared to Sony, citing Nintendo's consistent output of high-quality single-player games and reasonable pricing. The author criticizes Sony's recent strategies, particularly its perceived lack of major game releases and fan-unfriendly decisions, contrasting it with Nintendo's focus on franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and other beloved titles.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – September 12, 2026 – Metroid Dread makes a comeback
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of September 12, 2026, show a resurgence for Metroid Dread following the announcement of Metroid Ravenous. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remains the top seller, while the new release Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon – Classic HD also charted.
Famitsu software sales (8/31/26 – 9/6/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of August 31 to September 6, 2026. Onimusha: Way of the Sword for PlayStation 5 led the charts, followed by Rhythm Heaven Groove for Nintendo Switch. The data includes sales figures for both new releases and cumulative totals for established titles.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake price leaks through Nintendo itself, and it's one of the cheaper Switch…
The price for a rumored remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 has reportedly leaked via the Australian Nintendo Store at AU$94.95, suggesting a $60 USD price point. This places it similarly to Yoshi's Crafted World and below other premium releases like Donkey Kong Country Returns and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, indicating Nintendo may view it as a traditional remake rather than a full-scale reimagining.
Nintendo reportedly issued accidental Switch 2 ban wave, but is now being reversed
Nintendo reportedly issued an accidental ban wave affecting legitimate Nintendo Switch users worldwide, accompanied by error code 2124-4508. The company is now reversing these bans, with some users reporting their systems have been unbanned. The cause is suspected to be an internal server issue, though Nintendo has not officially commented.
UK software sales chart for the week ending September 5, 2026 – Onimusha, Orbitals debut
The UK software sales chart for the week ending September 5, 2026, shows Onimusha: Way of the Sword debuting at #2 with 87% of sales on PlayStation 5. The Nintendo Switch exclusive Orbitals launched at #3. The Blood of Dawnwalker took the top spot.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – September 5, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on a crazy run
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of September 5, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream continuing its strong performance with nearly eight million copies sold. The game remains at the top of the overall charts, followed by other popular titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Minecraft.
Petit Planet's delightfully cosy galactic take on Animal Crossing is the closest we'll ever get to the life…
Petit Planet, HoyoVerse's new space-themed life simulation game, offers a cozy experience heavily inspired by Nintendo's Animal Crossing. Players can build their own planets, catch creatures, and befriend villagers, with the potential for extensive decoration. While the game's core gameplay loop is engaging and reminiscent of Animal Crossing on PC, concerns remain about its potential gacha mechanics.
Famitsu software sales (8/24/26 – 8/30/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of August 24-30, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove topped the charts on Nintendo Switch, while Elden Ring Tarnished Edition and Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 debuted high on Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 respectively.
Petit Planet Gives Animal Crossing Its First Serious Rival in Years
miHoYo's upcoming life simulation game, Petit Planet, is shaping up to be a serious contender in the genre, drawing clear comparisons to Animal Crossing. The game features a human protagonist tasked with revitalizing planets populated by anthropomorphic animals, offering familiar mechanics like crafting and village building. While the demo showcased a polished experience, concerns linger regarding potential gacha mechanics and the use of AI in its development, despite assurances from HoYoverse.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 29, 2026 – Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 debuts
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 29, 2026, show "Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream" retaining the top spot. "Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2" debuted at #21 overall and #7 on the download-only chart. Other top titles include "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate," "Minecraft," and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe."
Why my kids gave up on Roblox and started playing real console games - Reader's Feature
A reader shares how his children, after being heavily involved in Roblox and Fortnite, have shifted their gaming focus to older console titles like those on the Nintendo 3DS. He notes their renewed interest in games like Mario Kart 7 and Tomodachi Life, finding them more engaging than the popular online platforms.
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.
