Animal Crossing 2026 Leaks (Release Date & Content)

We are now over halfway through 2025, and there are already a lot of interesting and potentially very exciting leaks for the next Animal Crossing game, which is rumored to be releasing in 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2. As rumors about the next Animal Crossing game circulate online, more and more fans are eager to know what the future holds for the beloved series. With so many creators and news outlets weighing in, it can be hard to keep track of what’s real and what’s just wishful thinking. We think it could be a good idea to compile all of the major leaks for Animal Crossing in 2026 that we've seen so far, just so there's one single place where you can catch up on literally everything without missing a single thing.

New Animal Crossing Game Coming in 2026 & When?

The rumor mill has been extremely active, with talk of a new Animal Crossing title in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2. Some prominent sources, especially Nash Weedle, started discussing this as early as March 2024. According to these early claims, the next game is already in development and is targeting a 2026 release window.

However, some creators have pointed out that this information came from brainstorming sessions rather than finalized features. There’s also ongoing speculation about whether Nintendo would want to release Animal Crossing in the same year as Tomodachi Life, which is also confirmed for 2026. This overlap has led some to think a delay into 2027 is possible to avoid both titles competing for the same audience.

Recently, another round of excitement stemmed from rumors of a Nintendo Direct in July, where a new Animal Crossing would be teased at the end as a “one more thing” segment. Leakers like Beatmupswood have hinted at this, and even Nash Weedle responded to the speculation, fueling further hope. Still, there’s no official confirmation yet, and any announcement could end up being just a brief teaser rather than a full reveal.

Content Leaks about Animal Crossing New Game in 2026

Here’s a detailed overview of every notable leak and rumor about the next Animal Crossing, sorting out what might be true, what’s pure speculation, and what’s just fun to imagine.

• Ultimate Version with a City Setting

Early leaks suggested the new game would be considered an “ultimate” version, set in a large city with skyscrapers. This would be a big departure from the traditional small-town or island feel. The city environment is rumored to include new mechanics like moving around with vehicles, adventure missions, puzzles, and expanded mini-games. There’s also talk of a stronger focus on multiplayer, potentially with more collaborative experiences.

• Vehicles as a Game Mechanic

One of the most talked-about leaks is the introduction of vehicles. The rumor is that players could control vehicles to get around the city, possibly using cars, bicycles, or even skateboards. Previous Animal Crossing games have always included some form of transportation, trains, taxis, buses, boats, and planes, but this time, the vehicles might be player-controlled and a key way to navigate the larger environment. Some believe this could also mean the return of campers and campgrounds, reminiscent of New Leaf’s camping features. There’s speculation that vehicles may be limited to certain uses, like moving between districts, and may not become a core mechanic in the same way as in open-world games.

• New In-Game Economy and Shopping Center

Another major leak describes a new in-game monetary system, with the addition of a large shopping center. Players might be able to own stores and sell their own designs to others. The shopping center could include a furniture store, clothing store, vehicle workshop, and more. This would give players more control over commerce and creativity, potentially allowing for deeper social and economic interactions within the game.

• Expanded Online Features and Mini-Games

Leaked information also points toward a city that is “completely online,” allowing players to interact with others in real-time. There could be a variety of online mini-games, vehicle races, pie-throwing, birthday celebrations, and even mouse hunting. The multiplayer aspect is rumored to be much larger, with the possibility of ongoing online events or competitions.

• Voting System and Internal Project Names

According to another leaker, Midori, internal project names linked to Animal Crossing have been found. One codename, “Owl,” is thought to be tied to Animal Crossing, drawing a connection to characters like Blathers and Celeste. It’s suggested that this project could use an internal voting system similar to Splatoon’s Splatfest, possibly allowing players to vote for favorite villagers or other community-driven content. While it’s hard to imagine exactly how this would work in Animal Crossing, the idea of more community input and periodic voting events could add a new layer to online play.

• Isabelle’s Role and Story Direction

Rumors about the game’s reveal suggest that Isabelle might appear in the next Nintendo Direct to announce the new title. If so, she could thank fans for the success of New Horizons and hint at a return to city life or a new mainland setting. There’s speculation that the story might involve expanding Nook Inc. to a new city, possibly introducing new business and residential opportunities. Whether the game continues the story from New Horizons or starts fresh remains to be seen, but the direction seems likely to move away from the deserted island concept.

For now, fans eagerly await any official word from Nintendo, hoping the next chapter in the Animal Crossing series will bring fresh experiences while keeping the charm the series is known for.