New Animal Crossing Game Release Date, ACNH Switch 2 Update and Content

Animal Crossing is one of most profitable IPs of Nintendo, many players expressed disappointment at the lack of news about a new Animal Crossing game during the Switch 2 Direct. When will the next AC game be released, and what can you play now? This article will highlight the ACNH update for Switch 2 and the release of the new AC game.

New Animal Crossing Game Release Date

The new Animal Crossing game, referred to as Animal Crossing 6, is expected to be released alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, which came out on June 5. The launch in 2025 aligns with the typical pattern of Animal Crossing games being released on new consoles, as no two mainline Animal Crossing games have been released on the same console. But as of the time of writing this article, there has been no official announcement about the new game yet.

Animal Crossing is one of Nintendo's most beloved and successful franchises, with previous titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons selling 45 million copies. Historically, the Animal Crossing series typically maintained a gap of about 3 to 5 years between mainline releases, except for the 8-year gap between New Leaf and New Horizons. Many players speculate that the next Animal Crossing game may be announced with the release of Switch 2, but as of June 2025, there is no news about the game in the Switch 2 Direct, this year's release may be a wish.

Considering the release patterns of previous titles and the time required for development, it is speculated that the next mainline Animal Crossing game may not launch until 2026 or later. Some sources suggest a possible release in early 2027.

ACNH was released in March 2020, five years ago, three years after the original Switch’s release in 2017. Some users estimate that a new AC game might take a few years to release. Nintendo typically leverages new console launches with flagship titles to drive sales, as seen with Animal Crossing: New Horizons boosting Nintendo Switch sales.

Animal Crossing New Horizons Update on Switch 2

With the release of Nintendo Switch 2, you can play Animal Crossing New Horizons on it before the new game comes. Although there is not a specific customized ACNH version for this console, Nintendo revealed its first update in nearly three years on May 27, Version 2.0.7, primarily to enhance multiplayer session compatibility between the Switch 2 and the original Switch.

You can easily transfer your ACNH islands and save data from the original Switch to the Switch 2. If the original Switch is available, the transfer can be completed directly via the Switch 2's system transfer feature. If not, the "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Island Transfer Tool" app or cloud storage method can be used. The new console will have better hardware capabilities to ensure players enjoy a better experience. For example, players may have experienced lag and severe pop-in on the original Switch. On the Switch 2, such issues are significantly reduced.

A portion of players indicated they would not purchase a Switch 2 until a new Animal Crossing game is announced or released. Others plan to buy a Switch 2 but will wait for a potential Animal Crossing-themed edition or until the new game is launched before making a purchase.

What to Expect in the New Animal Crossing Game?

While specific details are not leaked, it can be inferred that the game will likely feature enhanced graphics in 4K, given the expectation that the Switch 2 will support higher-resolution graphics to compete with other consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.

According to rumors, the next Animal Crossing installment may be an ultimate version featuring drivable vehicles, cities with skyscrapers, more collaborative multiplayer modes, adventure missions with puzzles and mini-games, and a shopping center where players can operate their own stores to sell clothing and furniture designs. Fans also hope for the return of features from earlier games, such as multiplayer mini-games, in-depth villager interactions, a full post office, enhanced building exterior customization, a larger furniture catalog, and the reintroduction of missing fruits like bananas, mangoes, and lemons.

The game is also expected to introduce new storylines and features, as Nintendo has historically refreshed the Animal Crossing experience with each new installment to maintain fan interest and address previous shortcomings. Animal Crossing: New Leaf revitalized the series with a change in storyline and developers after the underperformance of Animal Crossing City Folk, suggesting that Animal Crossing 6 may similarly innovate.