Aside from the Wii U, there’s been a new mainlineAnimal Crossinggame on every Nintendo console since the GameCube’s release in 2001. It stands to reason, then, that the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2 will eventually have anAnimal Crossingof its own.
FromWild World, toCity Folk, toNew Leaf, to the most recent entry,New Horizons,everyAnimal Crossinggamehas tried to bring something new to the series, using its respective console to deliver a refreshed experience.Animal Crossing: New Horizons, for instance, put an emphasis on island creation and customization, with players then being able to share their islands with friends via Nintendo Switch Online. Though the Nintendo Switch 2 looks more iterative than innovative, it might still have one feature that the nextAnimal Crossingcould make great use of.
One Rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Feature Could Be Great News For Animal Crossing’s Activities
The Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Cons Might Turn Into Mice
First leaked long before the official reveal, it was heavily rumored that theNintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Conswould function as mice as well as controllers. The Switch 2 reveal trailer hinted heavily at this feature, briefly showing what seemed to be an optical sensor on the new Joy-Cons, before cutting to both Joy-Cons gliding atop a sleek surface, sensor-side down. Though it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, it does seem likely the Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Cons will double as mice, which is something the nextAnimal Crossingshould fully embrace.
A Mouse Would Open The Door To Some Creative Animal Crossing Minigames
Animal Crossing: City Folkallowed players to use theWii’s motion controlsduring classic activities like fishing, chopping down trees, and digging into the ground. A potentialAnimal Crossingfor the Nintendo Switch 2 should feature similar integration with the Joy-Cons' mouse functionality, letting players slide the mouse/Joy-Con backward to reel in the fishing rod, or move the mouse sideways to chop down a tree, for example.
Mouse functionality would also allow the nextAnimal Crossingto get a bit more creative with its minigames. For instance,the nextAnimal Crossingcould feature some kind of slingshot shooting gallery, where players could use the Joy-Con mouse to aim and shoot down targets. Of course, there should still be a regular control scheme for those wanting to use Pro Controllers, but mouse functionality would open some exciting new doors for the franchise.
Mouse Functionality Would Make Animal Crossing’s Inventory System Much More Manageable
The Nintendo Switch 2 having mouse functionality would also have some clear benefits when it comes toAnimal Crossing’s inventory management. Rather than having to drag each item individually across the screen one tile at a time, a mouse would let players drag and drop freely, and potentially even select multiple items at once.
The Switch 2’s Mouse Joy-Cons Would Go Hand in Hand With Animal Crossing’s Customization
The Switch 2’s potential mouse Joy-Cons would also be incredibly useful forAnimal Crossing’s interior, exterior, and clothing customization systems. A mouse would give players greater speed and freedom in how they wish to place items of furniture or draw custom patterns.
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 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.
