Despite Animal Crossing: New Horizons' massively successful release during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, Nintendo has yet to confirm any official news about a new mainline Animal Crossing game. Initially, many fans of the franchise speculated that it would be coming alongside the launch of the Switch 2 this year or soon after, but that seems unlikely.

Since New Horizons last received an update in late 2021 – its 2.0 version alongside the Happy Home Paradise DLC – the Animal Crossing community has been eager for any news on the next entry in the series. Meanwhile, rumors circulating online have given some insight into what features fans hope for, including expanded multiplayer, bigger cities, and a shopping mall.

The Next Animal Crossing May Not Debut In 2025

With No Animal Crossing News In The Switch 2 Direct, A Release This Year May Be Wishful Thinking

As of April 2025, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The April 2025 Switch 2 direct included a close look at new features, a release date, and even some of the games we can expect for it this year. Unfortunately, despite that the last Animal Crossing performed exceptionally well, as New Horizons is the second best-selling game on the Switch, there was no hint of news regarding a new entry in the series.

Instead, there was a release that may even mean we won't see Animal Crossing return at all this year. Holding onto this announcement until nearly the end of the presentation, Nintendo unveiled the release of Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream with a short sneak peek. Unfortunately, this doesn't bode particularly well for the Animal Crossing franchise, considering how similar Animal Crossing and Tomodachi Life are as casual first-party life simulation titles.

Given how big of a reveal this was and that it is releasing shortly after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, it may be unlikely that we'll see another first-party Nintendo life-sim before Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream's 2026 release, meaning we are likely looking at a possible 2026 launch or later for the next Animal Crossing. Historically, Animal Crossing games have three to four years between releases, aside from the longest stretch between the two most recent games, 2012’s New Leaf and 2020's New Horizons.

What The Switch 2 Timeline Looks Like

The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Be Launching This Summer

With a confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 release date of June 5th, 2025, there are several things to take into consideration in of where Animal Crossing might fall on the timeline. Throughout the direct, over 20 different games were showcased, some as launch titles, and others coming as late as 2026, like FromSoft's The Duskbloods game, coming exclusively to the Switch 2. While there was no word about Animal Crossing anywhere in that lineup, that doesn't necessarily mean there isn't one in the works.

While the sole focus of the early Nintendo Switch 2 games seems to be falling on Mario and friends, with Mario Kart World launching as an optional bundle with the Switch 2, and Donkey Kong Bananza being the star of the Switch 2 direct, Nintendo hasn't forgotten about Animal Crossing. In addition to being a wild success on the original Switch, Animal Crossing is arguably one of the most profitable IPs that Nintendo has, with games, merchandise, and a dedicated fan base always eager for more.

Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream is a nostalgia hit that plenty of people have been waiting for, but it's unlikely it will see the same kind of long-term success and loyal player base that most Animal Crossing games do. So, while Animal Crossing likely isn't planning a 2025 launch to give Tomodachi Life a chance to shine, it's highly possible we could still see a sneak peek later this year with a formal launch coming in 2026.

Rumored New Animal Crossing Features & Gameplay

The Next Animal Crossing Might Be The Ultimate Version Worth Waiting For

While we are forced to wait a bit longer for official news on the Switch 2's new Animal Crossing, leaks online have already claimed that the next installment in the Animal Crossing series will be an “ultimate” version, per NWeedle on X (formerly Twitter; via ComicBook.com). These new features include driveable vehicles, cities with skyscrapers, more collaborative multiplayer, and even more adventure missions, including puzzles and mini-games. Which, if true, would certainly make the new Animal Crossing worth waiting until 2026 for.

Alongside this list, other rumors suggest players will have an entire shopping center where they can operate a store themselves to sell clothing and furniture designs. NWeedle does not have a long history of successful leaks, but the claims made online do seem reasonable for a sequel to New Horizons. Nevertheless, rumors should always be taken with some skepticism. Furthermore, Animal Crossing: New Horizons lacks some features from earlier games that it would be nice to see return.

Some of the most requested things from fans are the return of features like multiplayer mini-games and activities, in-depth Villager interactions, a full post office, more building exterior customization, a larger furniture catalog, and the missing fruits like bananas, mangos, and lemons. Perhaps Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream might even provide some insight into Nintendo's thoughts on modern life-sims and leave some clues as to what to expect in the next Animal Crossing, until we receive the official news.

Source: NWeedle/X (via ComicBook.com)