Animal Crossing: New Horizons is quickly approaching its fifth anniversary. Though Animal Crossing: New Horizons' last major update came in November 2021, this hasn't stopped the community from continuing to enjoy all the game has to offer. As the most recent addition to Nintendo's incredibly popular life-sim franchise, it continues to captivate players with its wide variety of customization options and tropical features.
Returning fans may wonder if Animal Crossing: New Horizons is worth playing or investing in during 2025. While the decision depends on individual tastes and preferences, restarting an island might be worth considering. Since the title sold over 45 million copies by 2023, restarting and experiencing Animal Crossing: New Horizons from the beginning could be an extremely promising and exciting adventure.
One Real-World Animal Crossing Makes a Feature Feel Like a Shoo-In For The Next Game
Promotion for Animal Crossing is ongoing, and one of the game's real-world events could inspire new game elements in the franchise's next title.
The Benefits Of Playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2025
Examining The Timeline of The Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing: New Horizons
When analyzing the Nintendo Switch's history with the Animal Crossing franchise, the significant gap between the console's release and the life-sim's debut is worth noting. For instance, the first iteration of the Nintendo Switch arrived in March 2017, whereas Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched over three years later in 2020. Given the immense success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it’s likely that the next mainline game will be strategically timed to launch on the next-gen console, featuring enhanced performance and graphics.
Releasing a new installment alongside the Switch 2 would be a clever marketing move and align with the traditional timeline for mainline Animal Crossing games. After Animal Crossing: New Leaf launched in 2012, it took eight years for the community to get another mainline entry, though mobile spin-offs like Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp did arrive in the years between New Leaf and New Horizons. Historically, Nintendo has released a new Animal Crossing game every three to four years, so it seems it will only be a matter of time until a new title is announced.
Unfortunately, none of the currently confirmed titles for the Switch 2 include a new installment of the Animal Crossing franchise. Fans shouldn't take this as Nintendo abandoning the franchise, as this seems highly unlikely. Still, despite theories that a new Animal Crossing game will launch on the Switch 2, it could take a considerable amount of time before the game finishes development.
Why Restarting an Animal Crossing Island Could Be Worth It in 2025
Although the Switch 2 has been unveiled and will launch later this year, Nintendo isn't releasing official details until April 2025. Rumors suggest that the next Animal Crossing game could arrive in 2026, but this has not been confirmed. Therefore, with an undetermined amount of downtime between its release and a new Animal Crossing entry, now is the perfect time to delve back into the 2020 game.
Players' choices five years ago will likely be very different now. Animal Crossing: New Horizons island themes and players' aesthetic preferences, like cottagecore or cyberpunk, often shift with changing moods. The villagers chosen early on may also differ, especially as players can create new memories and experience a variety of personalities.
"Players' choices five years ago will likely be very different now."
While some of these features can be changed without restarting the entire save file, players would miss out on the humbling early stages of the game, where saving currency like Animal Crossing's highly coveted Bells was critical and scavenging for materials was paramount. With the knowledge they have now, players might approach early-game investments differently. Restarting would allow for more intentional decisions, especially if they create a blueprint and work towards building their dream island from there. Ultimately, doing so would reignite the players' passion for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and provide plenty of time to fully develop this island before the next game is released.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Expansions
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise
- Franchise
- Animal Crossing
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- How Long To Beat
- 100 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
