Animal Crossing celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, and two new pieces of merchandise are on the way that will make it considerably easier to play the series on Nintendo Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has only been around for a year. Still, it has received one major Animal Crossing release, with a dedicated upgrade for Animal Crossing: New Horizons that drastically improves performance, allows more people to take part in multiplayer games, and uses the GameChat feature to enable better communication between players.
New Animal Crossing Merchandise Is Officially On the Way
Those who are still playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons after all these years can do so in style, as MaxGames has announced two official pieces of merchandise for the Nintendo Switch 2. The first is a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 carry case with a gingham aesthetic, showing the Animal Crossing cast on its cover. This case can carry eight Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 cartridges, and is expected to launch in August.
The second item is a Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 cartridge carry case with a cream-and-gingham design featuring the Animal Crossing characters. The case can hold twenty-four cartridges for both Switch systems, as they have similar dimensions, and is expected to launch in August. Unfortunately, both items are currently restricted to Japan. However, some third-party sellers can purchase and ship items from Japan for an additional fee.
Animal Crossing Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary In 2026
2026 is a massive year for Nintendo anniversaries, with The Legend of Zelda celebrating its 40th anniversary and Pokémon celebrating its 30th. Many fans might not even be aware that 2026 is the 25th anniversary of Animal Crossing, as the original title was a Japan-exclusive Nintendo 64 game, with Europe and North America receiving its updated GameCube remaster in 2002.
Hopefully, the Animal Crossing anniversary isn’t ignored by Nintendo, as there’s still time for the company to announce the first mainline entry on the Nintendo Switch 2. However, the focus seems to be on the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake in 2026, which was the closer during the June Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo shouldn’t underestimate Animal Crossing, however, especially with New Horizons being the only game to challenge Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in sales. An announcement of a new Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch 2 would break the Internet, regardless of the anniversary date.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
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March 20, 2020
- ESRB
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Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Engine
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Havok
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer