When Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out in 2020, it couldn't have come at a better time due to the pandemic. It wasn’t just a fun game; it was a way for people to relax, be creative, and feel connected, especially during a tough time. Players spent hours deg their islands, collecting furniture, and visiting friends. It quickly became one of Nintendo’s best-selling games. Some players even bought a Nintendo Switch just for Animal Crossing, while others bought multiple consoles for more than one island.
Even though it was a big success, some players noticed a few missing things. They wanted more ways to customize their towns, talk to their favorite villagers, and play with friends. The game was great, but it had some limits. Most of those limits came from the hardware it was running on. Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is on the way, players hope for an even better Animal Crossing experience. The new system is packed with more power and new features, and one of those features could take socializing to the next level.
The Next Animal Crossing Game Can Take Advantage Of Switch 2's Chat
Nintendo Switch 2 Has A Cool New Chat Feature
Playing Animal Crossing with friends is one of the most fun parts of the game. You can visit each other’s islands, trade items, fish, and enjoy time together. Still, on the original Nintendo Switch, talking while playing was hard. You had to use third-party measures, like a phone app or something like Discord, to chat. Unlike Sony’s PS4 and Microsoft’s Xbox, which came with a better UI and communication methods, Nintendo’s Switch lacked the built-in voice chat options that made communication easier while playing with friends. Even adding friends on the Nintendo Switch itself was a tedious process.
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Part of the appeal of the Nintendo Switch was the simplicity and portability. Being able to lounge in bed or on the couch while playing your favorite game was part of the charm. Yet, when it came to connecting with others on those games, it just wasn’t simple, and you had to either use your phone or computer to do so.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 is fixing that. It has a new feature called GameChat that lets players talk while playing. This could make a big difference for the next Animal Crossing game. Instead of typing or using other apps, players can talk to their friends right through the game.
As of December 31, 2024, the Animal Crossing franchise had sold 81.45 million units worldwide.
Older Animal Crossing games used text boxes to chat. That was okay, but it was slow and frustrating. With voice chat, friends can talk right away. You could give a tour of your island, work together on decorating, or hang out while doing your own thing in the game. It feels more real and fun.
The next game can use the GameChat feature to improve online play even more. It could feel more like a real community where people talk, share, and play together easily. That, coupled with improved graphics and hardware, could make the next Animal Crossing the best one yet.
Talking to Friends in Animal Crossing Is a Game Changer
GameChat Can Use Voice, Video, Or Both
One of the best parts of Animal Crossing is spending time with friends, especially long-distance ones. In the older games, talking to them wasn’t easy. You had to type each message, which took forever, and hope that they didn’t run off before you could finish what you were typing. Either that, or you had to connect to a third-party software, like Discord, which meant having yet another screen nearby. Chatting in-game has always been frustrating and a hassle, and was one of Nintendo’s weakest points.
But Nintendo is finally listening and giving us fans what we’ve been asking for years. Nintendo Switch 2 is definitely a step up from the Nintendo Switch, with improved graphics and frame rates, but that’s not all. The Nintendo Switch also announced the GameChat feature, making communicating much easier.
Certain Nintendo Switch 2 games, such as Drag x Drive and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, will feature mouse-like controls. The Switch 2 will also have a larger 7.9-inch screen with 1080p resolution, HDR10 , and a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz.
With GameChat, you can talk to your friends with your voice while playing without connecting to Discord or another program. It feels more natural, like you're really hanging out together. You can laugh, share ideas, and enjoy the game without having to stop and type. It’ll make decorating your island and asking for advice easier, as well as in-game activities like group fishing.
GameChat lets up to 12 people talk together. You could plan events, throw parties, or just chat while everyone does their own thing. It also makes it easier to meet new people and feel like part of the community.
Talking with your friends turns Animal Crossing into more than just a game. It becomes a fun place to connect, share, and build real friendships.
Even simple things, like trading items or showing off your new outfit, are better when you can talk about them as you go. It’s easier to understand each other and have fun at the same time. Talking with your friends turns Animal Crossing into more than just a game. It becomes a fun place to connect, share, and build real friendships.
The New Feature Could Help Make It Bigger Than ACNH
Voice Chatting In Animal Crossing Could Be Huge
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was a huge hit, with millions of players enjoying the game and using it to stay connected during a tough time. The next Animal Crossing game could be even bigger, especially with new features like GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Are Also Delayed In Canada
Following the delay of Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S., Nintendo has announced that pre-orders in Canada will also be facing similar delays.
GameChat lets players talk directly through the console while playing, making staying in touch with friends easier. This feature will make the game more social and accessible, without needing other apps or devices to chat. It’s perfect for players who want a simple way to connect with others.
Plus, with GameChat’s ability to share screens and use cameras, Animal Crossing will feel more like a shared experience. Friends can help each other decorate their islands, visit each other’s homes in real-time, and spend more time together. This added social aspect will make the game even more enjoyable.
This new feature can help the next Animal Crossing grow even more. If Nintendo adds fun new events and ways to connect, more people will want to . It has a real chance of being even more popular than Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a Nintendo Switch exclusive game that made a big impact over the last few years since it was released. This is a charming game in which the player moves to a small island town, with the goal of building up a new home, helping the town, and making new friends along the way. The game allows for online co-op, so you can your friend's island and play alongside each other! Animal Crossing is a perfect game for kicking back, relaxing, and just tuning out and letting all the stress of the day go as you wander your island and slowly build up your home and town.
