Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis quickly approaching its fifth anniversary. ThoughAnimal Crossing: New Horizons' last major updatecame 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 ifAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis 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 experiencingAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsfrom the beginning could be an extremely promising and exciting adventure.
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 theAnimal Crossingfranchise, 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, whereasAnimal Crossing: New Horizonslaunched over three years later in 2020. Given theimmense success ofAnimal 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 mainlineAnimal Crossinggames. AfterAnimal Crossing: New Leaflaunched in 2012, it took eight years for the community to get another mainline entry, though mobile spin-offs likeAnimal Crossing: Pocket Campdid arrive in the years betweenNew LeafandNew Horizons. Historically, Nintendo has released a newAnimal Crossinggame 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 currentlyconfirmed titles for the Switch 2include a new installment of theAnimal Crossingfranchise. Fans shouldn’t take this as Nintendo abandoning the franchise, as this seems highly unlikely. Still, despite theories that a newAnimal Crossinggame 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 thenextAnimal Crossinggame could arrive in 2026, but this has not been confirmed. Therefore, with an undetermined amount of downtime between its release and a newAnimal Crossingentry, 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 Horizonsisland themesand 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 likeAnimal Crossing’s highly coveted Bellswas 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 forAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsand provide plenty of time to fully develop this island before the next game is released.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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’re able to 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.
