Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a 2020 social simulation game made and sold by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the fifth main game in the Animal Crossing series, following Animal Crossing: New Leaf. In New Horizons, players control a character who moves to a deserted island after buying a travel package from Tom Nook. The player completes tasks, builds the island, and creates a community of animals that look and act like humans. Players can collect and make items, design the island, and shape it into a place where animals live together.
Development of New Horizons started in 2012, after Animal Crossing: New Leaf was released. The game’s director, Aya Kyogoku, included elements from older games to please fans and made the game easy for new players to enjoy. The developers used ideas called "trigger of play" and "imagination gap." "Trigger of play" means the game is simple to start, while "imagination gap" means the art style is simple so players can imagine more details. The game was announced in September 2018 during a Nintendo Direct event and released worldwide on March 20, 2020.
Critics praised New Horizons for its gameplay and customization features, though later updates had mixed reviews. The game was nominated for more than a dozen awards and became a major commercial success. It sold over 47 million copies worldwide, breaking records for the most digital sales in a single month. It is considered one of the greatest games ever made, the best-selling game in the Animal Crossing series, the second best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch, the top-selling game in Japan, and the 13th best-selling video game in history. Its success was partly because it was released during the global stay-at-home orders caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The game was used as a way to celebrate events like weddings and graduations, and for political activities and virtual protests. It inspired fan creations, such as a trading website, a talk show, comics, and merchandise. The game received major updates adding new content. An improved version for the Nintendo Switch 2 was released on January 15, 2026, along with the 3.0 update.
Gameplay
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation game played in real time, similar to previous Animal Crossing games. The weather in the game changes with the seasons of the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, depending on the player's real-world location. This is a new feature for the Animal Crossing series. The game follows a player-created villager who moves to a deserted island after buying a getaway package from Tom Nook. Tom Nook provides the player with basic items, like a tent, and the game allows the player to explore and complete tasks in a flexible, non-linear way. As the player progresses, the number of limitations in the game decreases.
Players can collect natural resources such as fruit and wood, which can be used to craft items and furniture through a system called D.I.Y. crafting. Players can also catch bugs and fish, plant and grow trees and flowers, collect rocks, and swim in the ocean to find deep-sea creatures. The island allows players to place items and decorate their space freely. Some items, like certain organisms, are only available during specific seasons and for limited times. Completing simple tasks earns players "Nook Miles," which can be used to purchase special rewards at Resident Services. Another type of currency, "Bells," is used to buy other goods and services. Early in the game, players can use "Dodo Airlines," an airport that allows them to travel to other islands using tickets earned with Nook Miles. Players can also invite other villagers they meet to their island if they choose.
At the start of the game, the player is joined by two other random anthropomorphic villagers who also purchased the getaway package. These villagers live with the player and can be interacted with, helping to build relationships. As the player progresses, Tom Nook gives the player more freedom to expand the village. Other shop owners, such as museum-owner Blathers, who displays fish, bugs, sea creatures, fossils, and art, and sisters Mabel and Sable, who sell clothing and accessories, eventually visit and settle on the island. Timmy and Tommy run a store called Nook's Cranny, which sells furniture and other items. Over time, the main area of the island expands into a Town Hall, run by Tom Nook with the help of Isabelle. More buildings and villagers join the community, and temporary structures like tents and shops can be replaced with permanent ones that can still be moved if needed. The island receives a star rating out of five, starting at one star. As the island develops, the rating increases. When the island reaches a three-star rating, a musician named K.K. Slider visits to perform a concert, marking the end of the game. However, players can continue customizing the island, such as by creating or removing cliffs, water, and paths, a process called terraforming.
The game allows one island per Nintendo Switch system. It supports both local and online co-op gameplay, with up to four players locally and eight players online on the same island at any time. The game also supports amiibo cards and figures from the Animal Crossing series, which can temporarily invite a villager to the island who might stay permanently.
Since the game depends on seasonal changes, it received frequent updates that added new seasonal items, events, and sometimes new gameplay features. Most updates were based on national holidays, such as "Bunny Day" (Easter) in April 2020 and "Nature Day" (Earth Day) in May. Other updates included events like Halloween, "Turkey Day" (Thanksgiving), and "Toy Day" (Christmas). Each update also featured characters from earlier Animal Crossing games and changed the island's appearance to match the event. Nintendo also released themed items from other popular media, such as Mario outfits for the franchise's 35th anniversary. In July 2020, the game added Nintendo Switch Online cloud saving, allowing players to recover game data if their Switch was broken or lost.
In October 2021, Nintendo announced a version 2.0 update for the game, which was released in November 2021. This update was the last free update and added returning characters like Kapp'n, Brewster, and Harvey. Kapp'n offers mystery tours to find rare resources, Brewster runs a cafe called The Roost, and Harvey's Plaza introduces new shops. Other features included digging up gyroids, creating ordinances, and cooking to gain power-ups. The update also allowed players to design vacation homes for villagers through a DLC called Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, released in November 2021. This DLC, similar to Happy Home Designer, lets players build vacation homes and adds new customization options for their own island. It also introduced new characters and features like individual wall wallpaper and the ability to have villagers live together.
In October 2025, Nintendo announced a version 3.0 update alongside the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game. The update, released in January 2026, added a new resort hotel, slumber islands, and quality-of-life improvements like bulk crafting and the ability to use stored resources when crafting. It also introduced new collaboration items with Lego, The Legend of Zelda, and Splatoon, including new villagers based on those series. The Switch 2 edition added mouse controls for interior design, 4K resolution, and a megaphone using the system's microphone to locate villagers. It also increased the number of players in multiplayer to 12 if all players used the Switch 2.
Development
On September 13, 2018, Nintendo confirmed the development of a new main series Animal Crossing game for the Nintendo Switch during a Nintendo Direct event. The game was set for release in 2019, though the exact date was not announced. Game director Aya Kyogoku explained that development began in 2012, shortly after the release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan. She noted that ideas for the game were formed long before the Nintendo Switch was created. Producers Hisashi Nogami and Katsuya Eguchi returned for this project.
Nintendo revealed the game’s title and first trailer during an E3 2019 Nintendo Direct on June 11, 2019. The release was delayed until March 20, 2020. Yoshiaki Koizumi stated that the delay was to ensure the game met high quality standards. Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, mentioned that the delay aimed to prevent long work hours for employees and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Nintendo’s stock value dropped by 3.5%, or more than $1 billion, in response to the delay.
Kyogoku explained that the Animal Crossing series succeeds because each game introduces new ideas while keeping the core concept familiar to fans. The game’s setting—a deserted island—was chosen to differ from previous games, which took place in established villages. This allowed more freedom in designing the game world. Features like the internet and multiplayer were added due to improved hardware. Kyogoku balanced new ideas with familiar elements to please both new and returning players.
The developers were disappointed when the game’s release overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic. Kyogoku hoped the game would provide an escape for players during the pandemic. The game was released globally to encourage international connections.
To welcome new players and keep older fans happy, the game included a crafting system. Players could create items using natural resources, avoiding the need to search for expensive materials. The Nook Miles system rewarded players for completing tasks, such as collecting materials. Furniture and clothing customization was emphasized for multiplayer, allowing players to showcase their islands.
Developers noticed players often restarted their save files to get ideal island shapes, so they added landscaping tools for easy customization. They also addressed "time-traveling," where players changed the console’s clock to skip ahead in the game. To prevent this, landscaping and crafting had no wait-time restrictions. Seasonal events were tied to updates instead of being included from the start. The game’s bank interest rate was lowered to discourage time-traveling. While time-traveling was not ideal, it was not completely eliminated.
Art director Koji Takahashi designed the island with a "trigger of play" philosophy, ensuring players saw things that encouraged exploration. The island was viewed from a 45-degree angle, similar to a curved perspective, allowing players to notice background details. Simple graphics and empty spaces were used to let players fill in gaps with their own ideas, called the "imagination gap." For example, grass was designed like a checkerboard to help players visualize and create their own designs.
Art designer Hiromi Sugimoto ensured furniture encouraged players to work hard and share achievements. Customization allowed players to create unique islands, motivating them to visit others. Each furniture piece had a clear design to help players understand its purpose, while the "imagination gap" let them add personal details.
The game was released on March 20, 2020, the same day as id Software’s Doom Eternal. GameStop sold Doom Eternal one day earlier to reduce crowds. Fans celebrated the coincidence with crossover art featuring characters from both games.
In December 2020, Doug Bowser stated the game sold "well beyond expectations" and praised the developers. Updates continued throughout 2021.
In October 2025, Nintendo announced an enhanced edition of New Horizons for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on January 15, 2026. The Switch 2 version includes 4K resolution in docked mode, mouse controls with the Joy-Con 2, an in-game megaphone using the system’s microphone, online play for up to 12 players, and CameraPlay.
Reception
Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch received "universal acclaim" from Metacritic, a website that collects game reviews. This made it the highest-rated game in the series on the site. The Nintendo Switch 2 version received "generally favorable" reviews from Metacritic. Another review site, OpenCritic, said critics gave the Nintendo Switch version "mighty" approval and the Nintendo Switch 2 version "strong" approval. Nintendo Life and Pocket Gamer gave the game perfect scores. However, the game faced some negative reviews because of how it handled player profiles and multiplayer features, which limited one player per console to fully experience the game.
Many players enjoyed the Nook Miles system, which provided goals and activities for players to complete. Dann Sullivan of Pocket Gamer said the system gave players "optional direction" to follow. USGamer joked that no one could complain about having too many things to do. The D.I.Y. system was praised for allowing players to use all resources. Russ Frushtick of Polygon said the system let players design their island with furniture and layouts, creating a "true representation" of the player’s creativity. Martin Robinson of Eurogamer noted the game had major improvements that made the gameplay feel more organized and cohesive.
GameSpot and Game Informer praised the game’s creative freedom, such as letting players choose where to place buildings and bridges. The Island Designer App was highlighted for creating natural structures, though some said players could not expand the island, only reshape it. GamesRadar+ appreciated the return of old characters and the addition of new gameplay ideas. TechRadar praised the game’s sound and visuals, saying they were "sharp, smooth, colorful," and better than earlier versions.
Steven Scaife of Slant Magazine criticized the game, saying it gave too much power to individual players, which could change the community-focused vision of Animal Crossing.
Some critics said the game’s early phases had too many time restrictions. Since the game runs in real time, most resources reset each day, leaving players with little to do at first. IGN’s Samuel Claiborn avoided time travel in earlier games but used it later to speed up the game. 4Players liked the lack of time pressure and the option to use time travel if preferred.
The game was praised for its release timing, coming out during stay-at-home orders. WIRED’s Louryne Strampe said the game helped her and her colleagues cope with stress by visiting each other’s islands online. The game also helped people stay connected with friends during quarantine. The term "cozy game" became popular after the game’s release, influencing how other games like Stardew Valley were described.
The downloadable content expansion, Happy Home Paradise, was well received. Kotaku’s Lisa Segarra called designing villager homes "exhilarating" and said it "sparked inspiration." Nintendo Life’s Kate Gray compared the update to "a big lick of paint" that improved the game. The amount and quality of new content were praised, though some said the update felt final.
Nintendo Life’s Alex Olney noted that the Nintendo Switch 2 version had better resolution but the same 30 fps frame rate as the original. He said the Switch 2 version was "not an especially exciting upgrade."
Because the game connects to real time and seasons, critics and fans gave it new reviews as updates were released. Some said the game was enjoyable at a slower pace, while others found it frustrating over time. Despite this, many continued to enjoy the game positively by April 2020.
A year later, The Verge and iMore revisited the game and said the lack of long-term island progression made returning difficult. Both still enjoyed daily tasks on the island. By November 2021, some fans were unsure whether to restart their islands to relive the experience.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold over 1.88 million physical copies in Japan at launch, breaking the record for the biggest Switch game debut in the region. It sold 720,791 physical copies in its second week in Japan, more than New Leaf sold in its first week. As of April 26, 2020, the game had sold 3,895,159 physical copies in Japan. In North America, it was the best-selling game of March 2020 and the second-bestselling game of 2020. It surpassed the lifetime sales of all previous Animal Crossing games. New Horizons had the third-highest launch month sales of any Nintendo-published game since 1995. In the United Kingdom, its physical sales were four times those of New Leaf, making it the biggest Switch game launch in the region. In Germany, it sold over 200,000 copies shortly after release and received a Platinum Sales Award.
Nielsen’s SuperData Research estimated that New Horizons sold five million digital copies worldwide in March 2020, setting a new record for the most digital sales in a single month. It surpassed the previous record held by Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.
Impact and legacy
Reviewers and news organizations noted that the game's ability to help people escape from reality became a key reason for its popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. An NBC News article said, "[New Horizons] was the distraction we needed" during times when people were required to stay home and avoid social contact. Imad Khan of The New York Times called the game a "phenomenon" and described it as a "conveniently timed piece of whimsy" for people, especially millennials, during the pandemic. Many people used the game for work and social events, such as funerals, weddings, and graduations. A talk show called Animal Talking also started in the game. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California held live streams of animal feedings during the pandemic. In January 2021, Twitter reported that Animal Crossing: New Horizons was the most talked-about game on social media in 2020. During lockdowns, the game's release increased the popularity of cozy games. Colin Campbell of GamesIndustry.biz found that only a few of the many "cozy" games on Steam were released before 2020.
The 2020 presidential campaign of Joe Biden created digital yard signs for use in the game. Activists in Hong Kong, including Joshua Wong, used the game to protest virtually. In response, the game was removed from online stores in China, such as Taobao, where it had been sold without official permission. Nintendo announced on November 19, 2020, new rules for using the game, including a ban on using it for political activities.
In March 2021, the National Videogame Museum created a record of the game's impact during the pandemic, called the "Animal Crossing Diaries." The records include photos, audio, and interviews with players from 2020, who shared their progress and experiences. Lex Roberts, the museum's curator, said the goal was to capture the game's popularity and cultural influence. The museum was asked by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to collect the history as it happened and was funded by the charity. The website with the records opened in September 2021 and covered the 18 months after the game's release.
Two Japanese aquariums held special events related to Animal Crossing: New Horizons with Nintendo. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Yokohama hosted an event in July and August 2021. Umigatari Joetsu Aquarium in Niigata Prefecture held a second event for three months in the summer of 2023. Both aquariums offered a stamp rally, exclusive items, and hidden Easter eggs in their exhibits.
A manga series called Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori: Nonbiri Shima Dayori began in the magazine Ciao on December 28, 2019. The series, written and illustrated by Minori Katō, follows a character named Hana who moves to an empty island. Another manga, Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori: Nonbiri Shima Diary, started in Coro Coro Comics in June 2020. The first English version, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Deserted Island Diary, was published in September 2021 by Viz Media.
A comic strip called Nook Tails, created by Cho Hanayo and featuring characters like Tom Nook, began on the game's Japanese website in October 2019. Many guidebooks were released in Japan, some with more than 1,000 pages. These books were very popular, with long lines forming even during stay-at-home orders, and many were resold online.
In January 2021, ColourPop released a makeup collection inspired by the game's characters. In March 2021, Build-A-Bear Workshop announced a collection of plush toys based on the game. Nintendo also announced an aquarium tour in the United States starting on June 14, 2024, and ending on February 28, 2025. The tour includes photo opportunities, character displays, and other activities for visitors.