ITS HERE! We finally have Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
we're doing a live blog to keep you informed about the latest news and updates as the franchise makes its debut on the Nintendo Switch.
The nearly 20-year-old franchise will release only its 5th main title in the series. Will you be picking up the game? If so, check out our guide to the best preorder bonuses.
So what's the latest news - check it out here!
Be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest news and updates!
Keep up to date with everything Animal Crossing by watching below!
Happy Animal Crossing Day! - 20th March 20:00 GMT
It's finally here and fans are getting stuck into the long-awaited Switch exclusive.
Keep this page bookmarked for updates!
Amazon Delays Animal Crossing: New Horizons For Some Customers - 19th March 18:00 GMT
Players who pre-ordered the game with Amazon have reported on social media that they’re getting delay messages on their accounts, stating that they won't receive their copy until next Tuesday, March 24, some players are opting to cancel their physical orders and buy a download code instead.
The delay of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch game is most likely due to Tuesday’s news that Amazon warehouses are prioritising stocks of medical supplies and household staples, in light of the worldwide action to slow the spread of COVID-19.
AC:NH Gets Another New Trailer - 18th March 16:00 GMT
87 Year Old Animal Crossing Megafan Has Her Own Character In New Horizons - 17th March 15:00 GMT
The Animal Crossing-loving grandmother who racked up close to 4,000 hours of playtime on Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Audrey. Has been immortalised in Animal Crossing: New Horizons by getting a character named after her.
Animal Crossing New Horizons Reviews - 16th March 20:00
Now that the embargo is up, media outlets are finally allowed to reveal gameplay and reviews of the highly anticipated island getaway, and it looks like AC:NH received a solid 9 from IGN.
In fact, many gaming sites are giving it incredibly high ratings.
10 Minutes Of Gameplay - 15th March 13:00 GMT
As it's only 5 days away and the excitement is getting too much, we thought you could take another look at last weeks 10 minute gameplay video to ease the pain a tad.
How To Catch A Shark - 14th March 20:00 GMT
6 days until the release the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch game, and one of the most sought after animals throughout the series seems to be the Shark. If you want to know how to catch a Shark before the game's release, look no further!
Get Rid Of Unwanted Neighbours - 13th March 18:00 GMT
With only 7 days left, we start thinking about all of the neighbours we know we'll dislike.
Fortunately, you'll be able to force them to move away. Here's how.
How To Craft A Fishing Rod - 12th March 18:00 GMT
With only a week to wait, players had better hope that they know how to make a fishing rod.
If not, we've got you covered in our guide to craft a fishing rod.
Nook Miles App - 11th March 14:15 GMT
NookPhone Apps ③Today I want to talk about the Nook Miles app. You'll earn miles while having fun doing different activities on your island. Later, you'll be able to trade those miles in for items that will enhance your island life! pic.twitter.com/diVhhzZi6c
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 11, 2020
Camera App On Nook Phone - 10th March 16:00 GMT
NookPhone Apps ②With the Camera app, you can snap photos of your daily life, which are then stored in the Album on your #NintendoSwitch. With zoom controls & filters, you can easily get exactly the shots you want! Good news for folks eager to capture their island memories, hm? pic.twitter.com/E3lyRUUCxa
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 10, 2020
Nook Phone Apps - 9th March 16:40 GMT
Hello, hello! Only 11 days until we begin departing for deserted islands. This week, I'll continue to share information sure to be useful to anyone thinking about taking off on their very own getaway! Perhaps we should chat about some of the NookPhone's handy apps! #ACNHpic.twitter.com/WJdR1rJ7jt
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 9, 2020
How To Make An Axe - 8th March 11:00 GMT
One of the most important tools when starting your Animal Crossing adventure is an axe.
Resident Services - 15:05 GMT
Getaway Guide ⑤ - Part 1This is Resident Services. We support all our island residents with the greatest of care around the clock! #AnimalCrossing#ACNHpic.twitter.com/EVrkjM9Yo3
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 6, 2020
Your Personal Island Escape Trailer - 6th March 12:15 GMT
The latest trailer has been uploaded to the Nintendo YouTube channel - the description reads:
"Animal Crossing: New Horizons lets you escape to an island all your own. In a world filled with possibilities… you can play how you want… and share it with all your friends. Explore, create and customize your island paradise anytime. Animal Crossing: New Horizons available March 20th only on Nintendo Switch."
NookPhone - 5th March 16:10 GMT
Getaway Guide ④ I've mentioned some of the items you'll receive as part of your getaway package, but I'm especially excited to tell you about the NookPhone! Developed by Nook Inc., it comes with specially designed apps. Yes, yes, I'll share details about the apps in the future! pic.twitter.com/JdJeQ7Q5Re
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 5, 2020
Name Your Island - 16:00 GMT
Getaway Guide ③Have you ever wanted to name an island? We'll be gathering suggestions for island names from our getaway package participants. It's never too early to start brainstorming ideas that are 10 characters or less! #ACNH#AnimalCrossingpic.twitter.com/vqCSWWOFAV
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 4, 2020
Starting Items - 14:00 GMT
Getaway Guide ② - Part 2Inside your tent, you'll find a set of useful items: a lantern & a portable radio. Picture yourself on quiet island nights, listening to tunes by lantern light. Enjoying the little luxuries while roughing it...just one of the getaway package highlights! pic.twitter.com/M0eWBRkK8p
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 3, 2020
Your Starting Tent - 4th March 13:55 GMT
Getaway Guide ② - Part 1After arrival, you and your fellow getaway package participants will join us for an orientation meeting. We'll also give you a tent you can set up anywhere you like. Will you camp amongst the trees or on the beach, hm? Yes, yes, the choice is yours! pic.twitter.com/yGTsBNHVwo
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 3, 2020
A New Trailer - 12:00 GMT
So many things to discover… what will you do first on your deserted island?Animal Crossing: New Horizons arrives on Nintendo Switch on 20th March! pic.twitter.com/9ajWQwVFy4
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK)
March 2, 2020
New Screenshots - 3rd March 11:20 GMT
If you didn't make it to PAX East, there are a bunch of new screenshots that show off your home!
Read all about Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Switch here.
New Horizons Airport - 15:30 GMT
Getaway Guide ①This is the airport where your flight will land! This is also where you'll find the Dodo Airlines staff: Orville, our ground crew, and Wilbur, our pilot. They'll make sure you have the best experience possible when you're up in the air! pic.twitter.com/P0n9G2zsbY
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
March 2, 2020
All Confirmed Villagers - 2nd March 11:15 GMT
Check out ALL of the villagers in the new Animal Crossing game right here.
Walmart Share The Love For DOOM Eternal And New Horizons Love - 1st March 15:00 GMT
Both DOOM Eternal and Animal Crossing: New Horizons both share the 20th March release date.
Walmart is offering $10 off both games when you go in-store to purchase!
How Does New Horizons Stack Up Against New Leaf? - 29th February 15:50 GMT
Click here to find out how New Horizons stacks up against the DS classic New Leaf
Choose Your Island! - 15:00 GMT
You can choose your island layout when you start up the game!
Check-in Procedures ④Once you select a hemisphere, we'll show you some islands that you can move to. All of the islands are equally deserted, so don't stress too much over which island to pick, hm? Just go with your gut, and pick the one that looks best to you! pic.twitter.com/7zMjNFoOcR
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
February 28, 2020
Gamecube Camera Feature & 20 Minutes Of Gameplay - 14:00 GMT
PAX East is currently ongoing and fans that attend the Nintendo booth can play the game.
20 minutes of gameplay has arrived detailing new features including the classic Gamecube camera angle feature.
New Trailer Shows Switch Lite - 13:25 GMT
A new Animal Crossing: New Horizons trailer has been released a new trailer EARLY!
Nintendo has released a new trailer for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, featuring Nintendo Switch Lite. pic.twitter.com/DeKz1XwHCC
— ACPocketNews (@ACPocketNews)
February 28, 2020
PAX East Lapel Pin - 12:00 GMT
You can get yourself a great Isabelle lapel pin at Pax East when you check into the Nintendo booth!
The booth looks AMAZING!
https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1233149843540869121
Hemispheres - 28th February 11:55 GMT
Tom Nook is back with another check-in procedure - this time he explains how you will get to pick your hemisphere!
Check-in Procedures ③You'll discuss your island options at the check-in counter. Your first big decision is picking the northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere. We recommend the same hemisphere as your current home, but you could go for an island in the opposite hemisphere! pic.twitter.com/EI3GiXA03q
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
February 27, 2020
Animal Crossing: The Purge - 17:30 GMT
Animal Crossing: The Purge pic.twitter.com/kwZRWAwzX8
— 🖤 beatrice (@miibeatrice)
February 26, 2020
Characters Can Be Changed At Any Time - 13:25 GMT
To add to Tom Nook's latest video about customisation, you can change your appearance at any time during the game!
Now, I want everyone to know that you'll be able to adjust the way you look while on your new island, so there's no need to worry! Yes, yes, as long as you have a mirror or a vanity, you can change up your style at any time! ♪ pic.twitter.com/schX5mdZuj
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
February 26, 2020
Tom Nook Reveals Customisation Options! - 27th February 10:05 GMT
Tom Nook's next check-in procedures reveal the cool customisation you can add to your character!
Check-in Procedures ②At the counter, they'll ask for your name and birthday, and then they'll take a picture of you for your passport. Take as much time as you need to get yourself looking just the way you want! pic.twitter.com/kJQjUDIREc
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
February 26, 2020
Brie Larson As Animal Crossing Villagers - 14:50 GMT
Brie Larson as Animal Crossing villagers ; a thread pic.twitter.com/SNf0E2t2Vp
— 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐲 ﾂ (@tessaracts)
February 23, 2020
Tom Nook's Island Getaway Check-In Process Part 1 - 26th February 13:00 GMT
Tom Nook is introducing a new series of instructionals to guide you through signing up for Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Deserted Island Getaway Package.
Check-in Procedures ①This is the check-in counter for the deserted island getaway package. Here, our staff will check your applications and discuss your destination options. Time to start imagining the kind of island you'd like to "getaway" to. Yes, yes! pic.twitter.com/QiUiYmVFPQ
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing)
February 25, 2020
Death Comes To The Island? - 25th February 18:00 GMT
Looks like there's a chance all is not entirely well on the island after eagle-eyed fans spotted a tombstone hidden in the Nintendo Direct footage. You can read all about it here.
If our islanders can die, do we lose all the bells we owe Tom Nook? Or does our family inherit our debt? There's a scary thought.
New Screenshots Spotted In Walmart Ad - 24th February 11:00 GMT
A new Animal Crossing ad has been spotted in Walmart that shows new screenshots from the game.
Animal Crossing on other platforms? - 21st February, 12:00 GMT
Not a Switch owner but want to get into Animal Crossing?
Find out some more info here and here, but be prepared for some bad news.
Nintendo Direct Roundup - 20th February, 18:30 GMT
Missed the Nintendo Direct? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
You can find all the updates here.
Nintendo Direct CONFIRMED - 19th February, 10:00 GMT
Great news, Animal Crossing fans. Nintendo has confirmed an Animal Crossing Direct is coming tomorrow, February 20.
You can read all about it here.
BAD NEWS for Japanese pre-orders of the Limited Edition Console - 18th February 14:29 GMT
If you've been looking to pick up the Animal Crossing Switch bundle but haven't got your preorder in yet, listen up.
The coronavirus outbreak has led to a delay in the production of the console, with the new pre-order date now March 7, 2020.
It hasn't affected other regions as yet, but it's worth keeping in mind.
New Nintendo Direct THIS Week? - 17th February 15:25
As hinted at by renowned Nintendo insider Emily Rogers, is a new Animal Crossing focused Nintendo Direct coming this week?
Rogers replied to a Tweet stating, "God, I hope there's a Direct next week." with the response, "Are you an Animal Crossing fan?".
The tweet looks to have been deleted, but could we be due some new info this week?
New Screenshot Appears! - 15th February 23:45 GMT
The image shows the player chatting to Cranston the lazy ostrich, a character who was first introduced in Animal Crossing: New Leaf on 3DS.
Voice Chat Supported In New Horizons - 14th February 13:30 GMT
Voice chat will be supported in Animal Crossing: New Horizons via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers to voice chat while playing compatible games and offers additional functionality for certain titles.
You can read all about it here.
In-Game Purchases Removed? - 18:00 GMT
It's was recently spotted on the Nintendo of America's official game page that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will support "in-game purchases".
On the 13th February, the reference to in-game purchases has now been removed from the ESRB rating section.
You can read more about Animal Crossing: New Horizons microtransactions here.
New Horizons Accessories - 13th February 10:15 GMT
Max Games have revealed new accessories for the Switch and Switch Lite in Japan.
This includes a pouch, game card case, Switch Lite pouch, front cover and back cover.
New Features In New Horizons - 12th February 16:10 GMT
So what are the new features in Animal: Crossing New Horizons?
Here are 20 new features coming to the fifth main title in the franchise.
Animal Crossing Theme Switch Now Available For Pre-order - 17:45 GMT
The lovely Animal Crossing themed Switch is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Switch Online APP WILL Support New Horizons - 12:00 GMT
Confirmed by AC Pocket News - the New Horizons game will be supported by the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app!
Animal Crossing Chrome Extension - 11th February 11:45 GMT
A new Gooogle Chrome extension seems to adapt the music it plays to match the current weather.
The best part? It plays Animal Crossing music!
A PC Animal Crossing? - 10th February 21:15 GMT
Similar to how Pokemon had a bootleg version of it made in the form of TemTem recently, Animal Crossing has had a PC version created called Hokko Life!
Although New Horizons won't be on PC, this is probably a close second!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons May Contain In-Game Purchases - 13:30 GMT
The official Nintendo of America game page says that there will be "in-game purchases" in the new entry of the game.
Coronavirus Delays Animal Crossing Themed Switch Production - 9th February 11:50 GMT
Nintendo America confirmed that manufacturing of some Nintendo products has been delayed for the Japanese market due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus, including the Animal Crossing themed Switch.
This does not affect the North American and European distribution.
New Amiibos And Compatibility 23:00 GMT
Will there be Amiibo support in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Pre-Order Bonuses - 22:00 GMT
There are so many pre-order bonuses, for those in the UK, depending on where you shop.
Click here to find out what you can get!
Multiplayer Details - 20:00 GMT
What are the details regarding multiplayer for Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Will there be online multiplayer? Local co-op? Voice chat?
What Consoles Will New Horizons Be On? - 18:00 GMT
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is obviously coming to Nintendo Switch, but will it be on other consoles?
Check out whether your console will support the new Animal Crossing:
Pre-Loading And Early Access - 16:00 GMT
Pre-loading is now available for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Will you be able to play the game early? Is it possible the game will release early?
Will There Be A Demo? - 14:00 GMT
Will Animal Crossing: New Horizons have a demo? What about a beta?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Launch Date Details - 8th February 12:00 GMT
Animal Crossing launches on the 20th March 2020 around the world, depending on which region you're from you'll want to be aware of the latest details.
Here you can find details for the following regions:
