Explore and decorate until it is done.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons

A happy Friday to all you would-be island explorers out there. Today marks the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons from Nintendo. This release is another entry in the Animal Crossing franchise, the previous entry having come out in 2012, and is available right now for the Nintendo Switch.

Most of you probably know what Animal Crossing is all about by now. You are a new resident on an island. You are decorating, fishing, and busy meeting others living on the island. You do so with a lot of big tools, a friend system, and a lot of relaxing activities. This is all accomplished while listening to some calming guitar riffs by K.K. Slider.

You just landed on your own deserted island paradise. You instantly find your inner peace as you hear the soothing sound of ocean waves. You set up your new tent and, before calling it a night, decide to wander around the island to take it all in. Before long, you will be meeting animal residents, crafting items and indulging in a variety of activities, like catching bugs and sharing your virtual life with friends and family. Your island life is just beginning and there is so, so much more to experience…
So far, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is sitting at an average critic score of 92. I personally have not played Animal Crossing as I do not (yet) own a Nintendo Switch. I hear that it's an incredibly chill game to play at home or on the go. Just keep an eye out for that Tom Nook fellow. He'll want his loans paid back, which can be a significant issue if you don't have enough Bells.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available on its own for $59.99 (USD) at retail or through the Nintendo eShop. If you missed it, a lengthy Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct went up last month. It's embedded below for your viewing pleasure.


Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.

Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online* or with others beside you**, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
  • Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility
  • Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
  • Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools! Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
  • Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere! Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
  • Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more!
  • Show off your paradise – play on the same system with a total of 4 people**, or play together online* or over local wireless** for fun with up to 8 players