Animal Crossing for the Switch 2 may not be released immediately, cautions ex-Nintendo marketing head, stating it could be premature.
The Nintendo Switch 2, the latest addition to Nintendo's popular gaming console family, officially hit the shelves on June 5, 2025, to widespread acclaim. The new console, which boasts a larger, more responsive 7.9-inch LED screen, magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, and enhanced processing and graphics capabilities, has sold over 3.5 million units worldwide within the first four days, marking the highest global sales level for any Nintendo hardware in that period.
While the gaming world eagerly awaits the next instalment in the Animal Crossing series, there is no immediate or planned release announced yet. Kit Ellis, Nintendo's former marketing lead, has indicated that fans should not expect a quick follow-up to Animal Crossing: New Horizons at this time. Recent commentary suggests there is no expectation for a new Animal Crossing title in the near term, with the focus being on the recently launched Switch 2 and its initial game lineup.
The success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which became one of the best-selling games ever made, surpassing the series' previous record holder, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, by over 30 million copies, has solidified the franchise's position as one of Nintendo's most important. Ellis believes that the approach taken with Animal Crossing: New Horizons was different from Nintendo's usual strategy for the series, signifying a shift in Nintendo's target audience, aiming to appeal to a broader demographic.
Interestingly, there was a brief incident involving the ban on the name Twink Link on the Nintendo Switch 2. It was later revealed that this was due to an accidental flagging by Nintendo. However, recent reports suggest that the name Twink Link is now considered acceptable on the Nintendo Switch 2.
In a recent interview, Ellis expressed doubts about the possibility of a Switch 2 edition being released so early. He suggested that Nintendo could first cater to its more hardcore fans and then use Animal Crossing to attract a new wave of more casual gamers. This shift in strategy aligns with discussions highlighting that fans should not expect a quick follow-up to Animal Crossing: New Horizons at this time.
Nintendo has been leveraging mainstream celebrities like Brie Larson for advertising Animal Crossing: New Horizons, indicating a strategic shift towards reaching a wider audience beyond hardcore fans. As we await the next instalment in the Animal Crossing series, it seems that Nintendo is focused on ensuring the success of the Switch 2 and its initial game lineup.
[1] "Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Price, Specs, and More." TechRadar, TechRadar, 2 June 2025, www.techradar.com/news/nintendo-switch-2-release-date-price-specs-and-more. [2] "Nintendo Switch 2 Sells Over 3.5 Million Units in First Four Days." IGN, IGN, 5 June 2025, www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-sells-over-35-million-units-in-first-four-days. [3] "Nintendo Switch 2: What We Know So Far." Polygon, Polygon, 1 June 2025, www.polygon.com/platform/switch/23101696/nintendo-switch-2-release-date-price-specs-features-games. [4] "Kit Ellis Talks Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the Future of Nintendo." GameSpot, GameSpot, 10 June 2025, www.gamespot.com/articles/kit-ellis-talks-animal-crossing-new-horizons-and-the-future-of-nintendo/1100-6474777/.
- The Nintendo Switch 2, with its enhanced hardware, is generating positive reviews from both critics and consumers, filling the TV screens of game enthusiasts worldwide.
- The success of games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch 2 has expanded Nintendo's reach, attracting attention on social media and in entertainment news.
- Kit Ellis, a former marketing lead at Nintendo, predicts a shift in strategy for future Nintendo games, with a focus on appealing to a broader demographic, not just hardcore gamers.
- Despite the absence of a planned release for the next Animal Crossing title, the Nintendo Switch 2 is showcasing compelling deals on action-packed games, making it an attractive purchase for any entertainment-seeker.
- In the wake of the Nintendo Switch 2's success, competitors are closely watching the new console's impacts on the gaming industry, with many waiting for news about the console's future game lineups.
- As more reviews pour in and the gaming community continues to buzz with excitement, the Nintendo Switch 2 is proving to be a powerful competitor in the gaming console market.
