Is Nintendo Teasing a Surprise Update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

Animal Crossing: New Horizons proved to be a standout success on the Nintendo Switch upon its 2020 release. This achievement was hardly a surprise given the franchise's enduring popularity since its inception in the early 2000s. The game not only welcomed back millions of veteran players but also introduced a wave of newcomers to its charming world. However, despite its ongoing popularity, Nintendo made an announcement two years ago that left fans somewhat disheartened – they would no longer provide major updates for the game.

Version 2.0 of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, launched in November 2021, was marketed as the "final free content update", much to the disappointment of some players. While the game continued to receive attention, mainly in the form of bug fixes, some in the player base felt a sense of abandonment from the Japanese video game giant. Nevertheless, recent marketing efforts by Nintendo have sparked speculation among fans, hinting at a potential new update on the horizon.

The belief that the developers might be working on something substantial for Animal Crossing: New Horizons has gained traction, primarily due to a few recent trending Twitter posts. On September 5, Twitter user NintenTalk shared an image of two upcoming Animal Crossing-themed blue and pink Switch Lites. These consoles are set to be exclusive to Target and Walmart and will come bundled with a digital copy of the game. While some have claimed they will be available in the US by October 6, Nintendo of Europe suggested marking October 20 on their calendars instead.

While merchandise releases for the game are commonplace, the unveiling of themed consoles in 2023 has raised eyebrows, unless the developers have a surprise announcement up their sleeves. It's worth noting that synchronizing new merchandise with an update would be a logical move.

Adding to the speculation that Nintendo might breathe new life into its 2020 hit, Twitter user mayahorizons highlighted the debut of an Animal Crossing Coaster Set in the UK. Their caption exuded excitement, stating, "Oh, they're DEFINITELY about to update this game". This stirred conversations about the recent influx of merchandise and playful remarks about Nintendo possibly teasing the community with tidbits of new Animal Crossing content.

The DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons was regarded as one of the best expansions for a Switch game, and it's evident that a portion of the player base is hungry for more. If Nintendo is indeed planning a reveal, the upcoming September Nintendo Direct presentation, rumored for next week, would serve as the perfect platform. Speculations abound, with some expecting news about titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Detective Pikachu Returns, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons easily fitting into that lineup.

The possibilities for a major update are diverse, so it's unlikely that Nintendo is short of ideas. On the other hand, there's a valid argument for Nintendo to focus on developing a new Animal Crossing game for the rumored Switch 2 instead of revisiting Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nonetheless, it seems that something significant is brewing within the franchise, and fans are eagerly awaiting an official statement from Nintendo in the weeks to come.