The anticipation leading up to the recent Nintendo Direct event highlighting the Switch 2 was palpable among gaming enthusiasts. Announced at the year’s start, it marked the eagerly awaited debut of Nintendo’s next-gen console. The hour-long presentation was packed with exciting details, from advanced hardware specs to upcoming titles, promising an exciting future for devoted Nintendo fans.
Yet, not every corner of the Nintendo fanbase found what they were hoping for. Particularly for fans of Nintendo’s more laid-back franchises, the event may not have lived up to expectations. A notably absent feature was any update on Animal Crossing, which seemed like a big oversight from the gaming giant.
Despite the wealth of news regarding the Switch 2, Animal Crossing aficionados were notably overlooked. The Nintendo Direct event would have been the ideal platform to unveil a new installment in this beloved series, especially since it’s been five years since the last game dropped. Since then, the direction for the Animal Crossing series has been shrouded in mystery.
Hints and rumors swirled last year, suggesting a new iteration in the Animal Crossing franchise was on the horizon, but Nintendo hasn’t confirmed these whispers. Without official acknowledgment, those rumors remain speculative at best, leaving fans grasping at straws in hope of a significant reveal. The speculation likely set expectations that a new title would accompany the Switch 2 launch, but unfortunately, those hopes weren’t realized.
The new Nintendo console is set to hit the shelves on June 5, with a base price of $450 and a $500 bundle option that includes the popular Mario Kart World.
Interestingly, while Animal Crossing: New Horizons won’t see an upgraded version for the Switch 2 anytime soon, backward compatibility ensures fans can continue exploring their islands on the new console. Meanwhile, other titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are confirmed to get enhanced versions, which makes New Horizons’ absence all the more puzzling.
Rumor has it that the next Animal Crossing could pivot towards a more multiplayer-focused experience, but this remains speculation until Nintendo delivers concrete details.
Animal Crossing followers are hoping for some good news. An upgraded New Horizons might still be in the works, but its absence in the latest announcements feels like a missed opportunity. With exclusive offerings like FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods, Nintendo might be angling for a broader audience with the Switch 2, potentially shifting some focus away from its traditionally cozy titles.
While these thoughts are speculative, it will be fascinating to observe whether the Switch 2 veers towards a tougher gaming aesthetic. Despite its long-standing place in Nintendo’s catalog, Animal Crossing’s absence is a blow to enthusiasts. As the industry landscape evolves this year, many hope to hear more promising updates regarding this cherished franchise.
