ACNH 3.0 Update: Implications for the Next Animal Crossing Game

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The recent announcement of the 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and a version for the new Switch console has created a lot of excitement. While fans are carefully analyzing the trailer Nintendo released, some are worried about what this means for a potential new Animal Crossing game. With the Switch 2 on the horizon, many were hoping for a brand new installment, but this update might suggest a new game is further off than expected, possibly years away.

The upcoming 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is shaping up to be substantial, and that’s even before considering potential enhancements for the next Switch console. With features like the hotel, hundreds of new items, and the slumber islands all included in this free update, many players suspect it’s a way to satisfy fans who have been eagerly awaiting a new Animal Crossing game. However, I believe this update can be a positive step forward on its own.

Most ACNH Players Think 3.0 Means The Next Game Is A Long Way Off

But That Isn’t Necessarily The Case

Soon after Nintendo’s 3.0 update announcement, the Slow Burn: A Cozy Game Podcast asked their Patreon supporters what they thought it meant. They created a poll asking if the update signaled a long wait for the next game, or if Nintendo was simply building excitement for a release coming in the near future. Of the 181 votes cast by fans of cozy games, 78% believed it would be a significant wait before the next Animal Crossing game is released.

As a huge fan, it’s even more exciting knowing that the team behind Animal Crossing is also the one making Splatoon! And get this – they’ve already announced Splatoon Raiders is coming out in 2026, which just makes me even more hyped!

It’s obvious the team isn’t solely focused on Splatoon, otherwise we wouldn’t be getting this new Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or any updates at all. While some employees might work on both games, it’s probably more common for people to specialize in either Splatoon or Animal Crossing.

If Nintendo Follows Pattern, The Next Animal Crossing Could Still Be Announced In 2026

This 3.0 Update Could Be A Marketing Strategy

I’m pretty sure we’ll hear about a new Animal Crossing game in 2026, and it might even come out in late 2027. There was a seven-year gap between New Leaf and New Horizons, and if the pattern holds, 2027 would be a fitting release year for the next installment, since New Horizons launched in 2020.

The Animal Crossing series is hugely popular, and sales really took off during the pandemic with Animal Crossing: New Horizons attracting many new gamers. Because of this success, it’s highly likely Nintendo is developing a new Animal Crossing game. While they could release an updated version of New Horizons for the Switch 2, the current game has already been extensively updated – the 3.0 update was even free – and there isn’t much potential for further expansion.

This 3.0 update probably aims to reignite player interest in the Animal Crossing series and build excitement for future installments, and it seems to be succeeding. With more people returning to the game, Nintendo would be in a perfect position to announce a new Animal Crossing title, while still providing fresh content for Animal Crossing: New Horizons to keep players engaged.

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2025-11-16 23:03