:Animal Crossing: New Horizons

As in previous Animal Crossing games, New Horizons is a life simulation game played in real time. Weather also adjusts to the seasons of the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, depending on the player's real-world location, a first for the Animal Crossing series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/everything-we-know-animal-crossing-new-horizons/|title=Here are all the juicy details on Animal Crossing: New Horizons|last=Gurwin|first=Gabe|date=September 5, 2019|website=Digital Trends|access-date=September 9, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915025127/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/everything-we-know-animal-crossing-new-horizons/|url-status=live}} The game follows a villager customized by the player, who, after purchasing a getaway package from Tom Nook, moves into a deserted island. After Tom Nook gives the player essentials, such as a tent, the game proceeds in a non-linear fashion, allowing for the player to play the game as they choose with only a small amount of limitations which lessen as the player progresses.

File:Animal Crossing New Horizons Gameplay.jpg

The player is given open access to natural resources such as fruit and wood, which can be collected and crafted into a variety of items and furniture through D.I.Y. crafting. Alongside crafting, they can catch bugs and fish,{{Cite web |last=Lynn |first=Lottie |title=Animal Crossing Bugs list: All bug prices, locations, and how to catch rare bugs explained |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-bugs-list-price-locations-catch-rare-7018 |access-date=April 3, 2021 |website=Eurogamer |date=April 29, 2020 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423124846/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-bugs-list-price-locations-catch-rare-7018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/animal-crossing-new-horizons-bugs/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons bugs guide: How and when to catch all the bugs|first=Sam|last=Loveridge|date=December 17, 2020|website=gamesradar|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018145516/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/animal-crossing-new-horizons-bugs/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/23/21190775/fish-locations-times-month-day-list-critterpedia|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons fish guide and complete list|first=Julia|last=Lee|date=March 23, 2020|website=Polygon|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513020738/https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/23/21190775/fish-locations-times-month-day-list-critterpedia|url-status=live}} plant and grow trees and flowers,{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Jake |date=March 26, 2021 |title=Animal Crossing New Horizons: How to Plant Flowers and Trees |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-how-to-plant-flowers-and-trees |access-date=April 4, 2021 |website=usgamer.net |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512130448/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-how-to-plant-flowers-and-trees |url-status=live }} extract natural resources such as rocks,{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/20/21164804/where-to-find-iron-nuggets-rocks|title=Where to find Iron Nuggets in Animal Crossing: New Horizons|first=Julia|last=Lee|date=March 20, 2020|website=Polygon|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512134450/https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/20/21164804/where-to-find-iron-nuggets-rocks|url-status=live}} and swim in the ocean to catch deep-sea creatures.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-swimming-wetsuit-diving-new-horizons-7018|title=Animal Crossing Swimming: How to swim, get a wetsuit and diving in New Horizons explained|first=Lottie|last=Lynn|date=July 3, 2020|website=Eurogamer |access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512134450/https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/20/21164804/where-to-find-iron-nuggets-rocks|url-status=live}} The island gives open space for placing items and decorating as the player chooses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/animal-crossing-new-horizons-video-shows-weird-and-wonderful-ways-to-decorate-your-island/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons video shows weird and wonderful ways to decorate your island|first=Connor|last=Sheridan|date=March 6, 2020 |website=gamesradar|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512130458/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/animal-crossing-new-horizons-video-shows-weird-and-wonderful-ways-to-decorate-your-island/|url-status=live}} Certain content available, such as organisms, are season-dependent and only appear for a limited time of the year. Doing simple tasks rewards the player with "Nook Miles", which in return can be used to purchase premium rewards in Resident Services. The other currency "Bells", a staple in the Animal Crossing franchise, can be used to purchase other goods and services. Another feature offered early on is the "Dodo Airlines", an airport; through Dodo Airlines, and tickets purchased through Nook Miles, the player can visit other vacant islands to harvest resources and meet other villagers. The player can invite other villagers they meet to their island if they choose.

The player starts with two other random anthropomorphic villagers that also purchased the getaway package. These villagers will live alongside the player and can be interacted with, building relationships. When the player has made sufficient progress in the game, Tom Nook gives more freedom of expanding as a village. Other shop owners will visit and settle on the island: museum-owner Blathers, who will display fish, bugs, sea creatures, fossils, and art captured by the player; sisters Mabel and Sable, who sell clothing and other player-created accessories;{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/19/22339896/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-one-year-nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons review: one year later|date=March 19, 2021|access-date=October 20, 2021|website=The Verge|last=Webster|first=Andrew|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020130146/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/19/22339896/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-one-year-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}} and Timmy and Tommy, who run a store that specializes in selling furniture and other quality-of-life items,{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-nooks-cranny-open-upgrade-hot-item-drop-box-new-horizons|title=Animal Crossing Nook's Cranny: How to upgrade Nook's Cranny, Hot Item and Drop box in New Horizons explained|date=April 29, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2021|website=Eurogamer|last=Lynn|first=Lottie}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} eventually expanding to sell more items per day. That store is named Nook's Cranny. Eventually, the main area will expand to a Town Hall, run by Tom Nook with the help of Isabelle; other buildings and villagers will populate the community, and old tents and shops will grow into a more permanent structure that can still be moved if the player chooses. From there, the island will be given a star rating out of five, usually starting off at a one-star rating. As the island is further developed, the island's star rating will increase. When a three-star rating is achieved, K.K. Slider, a popular musician, will visit and perform a concert at the island, marking the "end" of the game as the credits roll.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/the-fun-never-stops-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons-its-a-problem/|title=The fun never stops in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It's a problem|date=May 31, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2021|website=CNET|last=Van Boom|first=Daniel|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020131426/https://www.cnet.com/news/the-fun-never-stops-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons-its-a-problem/|url-status=live}} However, more options for island customization are given to the player for further community growth, such as the ability to construct and destroy cliffs, bodies of water and paths, colloquially referred to as terraforming.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/20/21175013/terraform-island-designer-unlock-grass-dirt-cliff-water-permit-nook-phone|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons terraforming guide|first=Julia|last=Lee|date=March 20, 2020|website=Polygon|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512134451/https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/20/21175013/terraform-island-designer-unlock-grass-dirt-cliff-water-permit-nook-phone|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/nz/how-to/how-to-terraform-your-island-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons|title=How to terraform your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons|first=Vic|last=Hood|date=May 4, 2020 |website=TechRadar|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512134451/https://www.polygon.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-acnh-guide/2020/3/20/21175013/terraform-island-designer-unlock-grass-dirt-cliff-water-permit-nook-phone|url-status=live}}

The game supports one island per Switch system.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/116142/animal-crossing-new-horizons-to-limit-to-one-island-per-nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons to limit to one island per Nintendo Switch|website=Shacknews|access-date=February 8, 2020|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320195423/https://www.shacknews.com/article/116142/animal-crossing-new-horizons-to-limit-to-one-island-per-nintendo-switch?amphtml=1|url-status=live}} Animal Crossing: New Horizons supports both local and online co-op gameplay, with up to four players locally and eight players online able to occupy an island at any given time, an option available through the Dodo Airlines. The game supports amiibo cards and figures from the Animal Crossing series, which can be used to invite a villager to the island temporarily that can be convinced to join the island. Nintendo Switch Online cloud saving was added during a late July 2020 update, allowing users to recover game data if their Switch is broken or lost.{{Cite web|last=Lynn|first=Lottie|date=July 30, 2020|title=Animal Crossing cloud saves: Island backup, auto saving and save transfers in New Horizons explained|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-cloud-saving-island-recovery-transfer-new-horizons-7018|access-date=July 30, 2020|website=Eurogamer|language=en|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802003956/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-cloud-saving-island-recovery-transfer-new-horizons-7018|url-status=live}} Additional free content was added every few months via updates from Nintendo until the final version 2.0 update on November 3, 2021.{{Cite web |title=How to Update Animal Crossing: New Horizons |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/49112/~/how-to-update-animal-crossing%3A-new-horizons |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Nintendo |archive-date=November 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119081108/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/49112/~/how-to-update-animal-crossing%3A-new-horizons |url-status=live }}

Since the game depends on seasonal changes, New Horizons received frequent updates, adding new seasonal items, events, and sometimes new gameplay features. Most updates are loosely based around national holidays, with the first update being "Bunny Day" in April 2020 and based on Easter. Other seasonal updates followed, being "Nature Day" (Earth Day), May Day,{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/26/21195302/animal-crossing-new-horizons-bunny-day-event-leif|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Bunny Day event detailed, Leif revealed|last=Lee|first=Julia|date=March 26, 2020|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326152726/https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/26/21195302/animal-crossing-new-horizons-bunny-day-event-leif|url-status=live}} Halloween,{{Cite web|last=Voigt|first=Austin|date=October 5, 2020|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Fall Update - Complete Autumn Events Guide|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/animal-crossing-new-horizons-fall-update-complete-autumn-events-guide#:~:text=The%20autumn%20New%20Horizons%20update,eye%20colours%20to%20spruce%20up|website=NintendoLife|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029191636/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/animal-crossing-new-horizons-fall-update-complete-autumn-events-guide#:~:text=The%20autumn%20New%20Horizons%20update,eye%20colours%20to%20spruce%20up|url-status=live}} "Turkey Day" (Thanksgiving), "Toy Day" (Christmas),{{Cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=November 17, 2020|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting Christmas, Thanksgiving, and save data transfers|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/17/21571215/animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-winter-update|access-date=November 18, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=November 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117160033/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/17/21571215/animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-winter-update|url-status=live}} and "Festivale" (Carnival).{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Liam |date=2021-01-27 |title=Animal Crossing New Horizons free Festivale update revealed for Switch |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/1389256/Animal-Crossing-New-Horizons-free-Festivale-update-release-date-patch-notes-news-Switch |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102053031/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/1389256/Animal-Crossing-New-Horizons-free-Festivale-update-release-date-patch-notes-news-Switch |url-status=live }} Other popular seasonal events, such as summer, also came with new items.{{Cite web|date=June 26, 2020|title=New Animal Crossing: New Horizons Summer Update Adds Diving|url=http://simplegamer.co.uk/new-summer-update-for-animal-crossing-new-horizons-adds-diving/|access-date=June 26, 2020|website=Simple Gamer|language=en-GB|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627235912/http://simplegamer.co.uk/new-summer-update-for-animal-crossing-new-horizons-adds-diving/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=June 25, 2020|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons update adding swimming, Pascal, and more|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/25/21302901/animal-crossing-new-horizons-update-swimming-pascal-pirate-gulliver|access-date=July 3, 2020|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705115847/https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/25/21302901/animal-crossing-new-horizons-update-swimming-pascal-pirate-gulliver|url-status=live}} Each respective update also featured popular characters from past Animal Crossing games. With each update, the island changed in look, and the player's island is often decorated for the occasion. Alongside seasonal changes, Nintendo has also released themed items from other popular media, such as Mario outfits and decor in celebration of the franchise's 35th anniversary.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/17/22288179/animal-crossing-new-horizons-mario-update-warp-pipes|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Mario update includes a working warp pipe|date=February 17, 2021|access-date=March 22, 2021|website=Polygon|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301190643/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/17/22288179/animal-crossing-new-horizons-mario-update-warp-pipes|url-status=live}}

In an October 2021 New Horizons-focused Nintendo Direct, Nintendo announced the version 2.0 update would be released the following month and would be the final major free content update for the game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-13-animal-crossing-new-horizons-gets-final-big-free-update-in-november|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons gets a final, enormous free update in November|date=October 15, 2021|access-date=October 15, 2021|website=Eurogamer|last=Phillips|first=Tom|archive-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015143704/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-13-animal-crossing-new-horizons-gets-final-big-free-update-in-november|url-status=live}} The update added returning characters Kapp'n, Brewster, and Harvey, the latter two both bringing new activities to the game. Kapp'n can be found with a boat at the pier after the player achieves a 3-star rating on their island. He runs Mystery tours that allow players to travel to deserted islands, where rare resources can be found. Brewster runs a cafe called The Roost located in the corner of the museum, where players can buy a cup of coffee for 200 bells. Harvey's Plaza allows players to find new purchasable items and services from shops. Other additions include being able to dig up gyroids, establishing ordinances, and cooking to create dishes that give the player power-ups.{{Cite web|last=Martín|first=Sergio|date=November 3, 2021|title=Animal Crossing NH November 2021 2.0 update: date, time and the new content|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/11/03/latest_news/1635906728_201120.html|access-date=September 26, 2024|website=AS|language=en-US|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329153655/https://en.as.com/en/2021/11/03/latest_news/1635906728_201120.html}} The update released on November 3, 2021.{{Cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=November 2, 2021|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons' 2.0 update is now live|url=https://www.polygon.com/22752668/animal-crossing-new-horizons-2-0-update-release-date-time-dlc|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=Polygon|language=en-US|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104020756/https://www.polygon.com/22752668/animal-crossing-new-horizons-2-0-update-release-date-time-dlc|url-status=live}}

Announced alongside the final major update for New Horizons was paid downloadable content, entitled Happy Home Paradise. Similar to the 2015 spinoff Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, the expansion allows players to visit a distant island and design vacation homes for villagers, and adds new customization options that can also be used on players' personal islands once learned. The Happy Home Paradise add-on was released on November 5, 2021.{{Cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=October 15, 2021|title=Happy Home Paradise Unveiled For Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Paid DLC Or In NSO Expansion Pack|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/10/happy-home-paradise-unveiled-for-animal-crossing-new-horizons-paid-dlc-or-in-nso-expansion-pack|url-status=live|access-date=October 15, 2021|website=Nintendo Life|archive-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015144017/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/10/happy-home-paradise-unveiled-for-animal-crossing-new-horizons-paid-dlc-or-in-nso-expansion-pack}}

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| footer = Hisashi Nogami (left) and Katsuya Eguchi (right), the producers of the series{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/12/feature_the_minds_behind_animal_crossing_new_horizons|title=The Minds Behind Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Feature|date=December 24, 2020|access-date=October 6, 2021|website=Nintendo Life|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007012507/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/12/feature_the_minds_behind_animal_crossing_new_horizons|url-status=live}}

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| image1 = Hisashi Nogami 2018 (cropped).png

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| image2 = Katsuya Eguchi at E3 2012 Nintendo Conference (edited) (cropped).jpg

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Development of a new main series Animal Crossing game for the Nintendo Switch was confirmed in a Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2018, with an unspecified 2019 release date. Although the game was announced in 2018, game director Aya Kyogoku confirmed that the game had begun development in 2012, shortly after the original release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan;{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/animal_crossing_devs_reveal_how_long_new_horizons_has_been_in_development|title=Animal Crossing Devs Reveal How Long New Horizons Has Been In Development|date=March 24, 2020|website=Nintendo Life|last=Doolan|first=Liam|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104191039/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/animal_crossing_devs_reveal_how_long_new_horizons_has_been_in_development|url-status=live}} she stated how concepts for the game were forming long before ideas for the Nintendo Switch had even existed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/03/23/nintendo-explains-philosophy-behind-animal-crossings-big-changes-like-gender-expression-terraforming/|title=Nintendo explains philosophy behind Animal Crossing's big changes, such as gender expression and terraforming|date=March 23, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post|last=Favis|first=Elise|access-date=January 28, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114050705/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/03/23/nintendo-explains-philosophy-behind-animal-crossings-big-changes-like-gender-expression-terraforming/|url-status=live}} Hisashi Nogami and Katsuya Eguchi reprised their roles as the game's producers.

Nintendo released the game's title and first trailer at its E3 2019 Nintendo Direct on June 11, 2019. The game was delayed until March 20, 2020, with Yoshiaki Koizumi stating that in order "to ensure [that] the game [was] the best it [could] be, [Nintendo had to] ask that [players] wait a little longer than [Nintendo itself] thought." Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser cited a desire to avoid crunch and maintain a healthy work–life balance for Nintendo employees as the primary reason for the delay. Nintendo's stock market value posted a 3.5% loss in reaction to the delay, amounting to a total loss in value of more than US$1 billion.

Kyogoku stated that the success of the Animal Crossing series was due to the fact that the developers make each game different enough from the last, to bring appeal to newcomers yet keep the core concept for returning players.{{Cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/animal-crossings-developers-say-the-series-must-continue-to-evolve|title=Animal Crossing's developers say the series 'must continue to evolve'|date=September 6, 2020|website=Video Games Chronicle|last=Robinson|first=Andy|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207235010/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/animal-crossings-developers-say-the-series-must-continue-to-evolve/|url-status=live}} Kyogoku and Nogami stated that they selected a deserted island as the game's setting to differentiate it from previous Animal Crossing games, which are set in established villages, and to allow greater freedom to customize the game's world. Additionally, a deserted island took away established parameters in the series to allow for different ideas and player interactions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/20/21188006/animal-crossing-new-horizons-design-interview-aya-kyogoku-hisashi-nogami|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons' deserted island was designed to shake up the series|date=March 20, 2020|website=The Verge|last=Webster|first=Andrew|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517164704/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/20/21188006/animal-crossing-new-horizons-design-interview-aya-kyogoku-hisashi-nogami|url-status=live}} Other concepts, such as the internet and multiplayer, were able to be implemented, unlike previous games due to advancing hardware.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/youre-not-crazy-tom-nook-is-nicer-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons|title=You're not crazy: Tom Nook is nicer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons|date=March 21, 2020|website=CNET|last=Stein|first=Scott|access-date=January 28, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111104627/https://www.cnet.com/news/youre-not-crazy-tom-nook-is-nicer-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons/|url-status=live}} Kyogoku made sure to keep a balance of introducing new and fresh ideas while retaining core elements to satisfy long-term fans of the series.

The developers were very disappointed when the game's release cycle overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to quarantine during the pandemic, Kyogoku hoped that the game would be an "escape" for fans at the time. They emphasized a global release to allow for international connections between the players.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21185608/animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-coronavirus-escape-interview|title=The creators of Animal Crossing hope New Horizons can be 'an escape' in difficult times|date=March 18, 2020|website=The Verge|last=Webster|first=Andrew|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=May 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504212609/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21185608/animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-coronavirus-escape-interview|url-status=live}}

The developers sought to make the game both welcoming to new players and to retain core concepts from the previous games to keep older fans of the series happy. A crafting system was implemented to allow the player to keep the player from running out of things to do after the in-game stores close. Kyogoku mentioned how the D.I.Y. crafting system would keep players in theme with the game by interacting and using the natural environment to their advantage. She took note of players who began playing Animal Crossing games via mobile apps, such as Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, by implementing the Nook Miles feature which would show the player what kinds of activities and concepts they can achieve by rewarding them to do so. The Nook Miles system also rewards the player for doing common tasks and collecting materials that would sell for cheap to keep the player from only tediously searching out expensive materials. Furniture and clothing accessibility and customization were emphasized for multiplayer so players could show pride in their islands.

Additionally, the developers noticed that players would repeatedly restart their save files in previous titles, in hopes of getting their desired island shape. Because of this, landscaping was implemented to allow for easy shaping of the island. Another issue they noticed was "time-traveling"; due to the game running in real-time, players would change the clock on the console to put themselves further into the future, so they wouldn't have to wait in real-time. To help avoid this, they made sure landscaping and crafting did not have any wait-time restrictions. They also tied seasonal events to updates instead of implementing the content into the game from the beginning so players could not skip ahead and retrieve exclusive items. The interest rate in the game's bank system was also decreased to lower the incentive of time-traveling.{{Cite web|last=Stadtmann|first=Benti|date=June 1, 2021|title=Borders in Motion in the Video Game Industry: An analysis based on Animal Crossing: New Horizons|url=https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-euv/frontdoor/deliver/index/docId/1170/file/Working_Paper_B_ORDERS_9_Benti_Stadtmann.pdf|access-date=August 20, 2021|website=European University Viadrina|language=en|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009162225/https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-euv/frontdoor/deliver/index/docId/1170/file/Working_Paper_B_ORDERS_9_Benti_Stadtmann.pdf|url-status=live}} Although the developers intended no time-traveling to be the ideal way of playing, they did not shun the concept entirely.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-developers-think-playing-without-time-travels-best-in-the-long-run|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons developers think playing without time travel's best in the long run|date=March 24, 2020|website=GamesRadar+|last=Sheridan|first=Connor|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=July 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704135409/https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-developers-think-playing-without-time-travels-best-in-the-long-run/|url-status=live}}

File:Retro Electric Fan Concept Art.jpeg

The game's art director, Koji Takahashi, followed the philosophy of "trigger of play" to make sure there was something within the player's field of vision or grasp that they would want to explore. With this, the island was designed from a 45-degree angle similar to that of a cylinder, or a "curved" perspective, where the player could view other content occurring in the background that would "trigger" them to investigate further or interact. By making an everyday concept simple and easy to grasp, it would cause the player to explore it further and be able to easily pick up the new material. Takahashi believed that if the game's art was complicated and realistic, the player would possibly receive too much information and make progression difficult. The simple design allowed for multiples of one object to be stacked close to each other, such as flowers, or allow for simplistic objects to compliment others.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202009/05205296.html|title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』で目指した、想像のスキマを残し、可能性を広げる記号的デザイン【CEDEC 2020】|date=May 9, 2020|magazine=Famitsu|trans-title=Symbolic design that leaves the gap of imagination and expands the possibilities that we aimed at in 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' [CEDEC 2020]|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514085439/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202009/05205296.html|url-status=live}}

By leaving empty space and with a simplistic design, with simple graphics and little nature complexity, Takahashi explains how it would have the player attempt to fill in that gap with their own perspectives and ideas, called the "imagination gap", and further motivation to create their own designs and space with the features available. In the game, the grass is designed to look like that of a checkerboard. Although this concept was only used in prior titles due to a lack of hardware complexity, it was retained because it could be used as a form of expression for the player and allow them to conceptualize ideas with the "imagination gap".

Art designer Hiromi Sugimoto made sure furniture would lead to motivation and hard work, and thus make the player want to connect with others to show off their achievements. She made sure the furniture could be customized by the player to ensure the difference between islands that would motivate visiting others and seeing unique ideas. Each furniture model was designed to have a "likeness" to it which would show exactly what to expect and what the player envisions; the pieces of furniture and items implemented various portions on how players view an object to look like and combine the commons ideas into one model. From there, using the "imagination gap", the player could fill in the smaller nitpicky info they would expect and further imagine how they could use the item.

The March 20, 2020, release date for New Horizons coincided with that of id Software's Doom Eternal. Due to the demand expected for both games, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, GameStop decided to begin selling Doom Eternal one day earlier, on the 19th, to minimize crowding.{{cite tweet|author-link=GameStop|user=GameStop|number=1240447268102246400|date=March 18, 2020|title=To ensure we adhere to CDC-recommended social distancing guidelines, we will be selling DOOM Eternal a day early on Thursday, 3/19 as a safety precaution for our customers and associates. Animal Crossing will release on Friday 3/20 to further help separate the crowds.|access-date=March 18, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|title=Doom Eternal Will Be Available Early At GameStop Due To "Social Distancing" Concerns|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-will-be-available-early-at-gamestop-d/1100-6474952/|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 18, 2020|date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319023327/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-will-be-available-early-at-gamestop-d/1100-6474952/|url-status=live}} The stark contrast in tone between both games, combined with them being released on the same day, prompted fans of both series to celebrate the coincidence by creating light-hearted crossover art featuring Doom{{'}}s Doomguy and Isabelle as "best friends".{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-internet-has-decided-doomguy-and-animal-crossings-isabelle-are-best-friends-now/|title=The internet has decided Doomguy and Animal Crossing's Isabelle are best friends now|first=Wes|last=Fenlon|website=PC Gamer|date=January 21, 2020|access-date=July 20, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408033921/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-internet-has-decided-doomguy-and-animal-crossings-isabelle-are-best-friends-now/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/24/21150803/animal-crossing-isabelle-doomguy-doom-eternal-new-horizons|title=How did Animal Crossing's Isabelle and the Doomguy become best friends?|first=Julia|last=Lee|date=February 24, 2020|website=Polygon|access-date=July 20, 2022|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418194943/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/24/21150803/animal-crossing-isabelle-doomguy-doom-eternal-new-horizons|url-status=live}} When New Horizons released on March 20, 2020, video game retailer EB Games attracted criticism for allowing fans who pre-ordered the game along with Doom Eternal to line up at its flagship Canadian location on Yonge Street, Toronto amid a COVID-19 pandemic in the country, when all levels of government urged the public to close non-essential businesses and maintain social distancing.{{cite web|url=https://www.straight.com/tech/1374881/toronto-fans-lineup-masse-animal-crossing-and-doom-eternal-while-vancouver-plays-it|title=Toronto fans line up en masse and for Animal Crossing and Doom Eternal, while Vancouver plays it chill|date=March 20, 2020|website=The Georgia Straight|access-date=March 21, 2020|archive-date=March 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321224642/https://www.straight.com/tech/1374881/toronto-fans-lineup-masse-animal-crossing-and-doom-eternal-while-vancouver-plays-it|url-status=live}}

Touching on New Horizons in a December 2020 interview with Polygon, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser stated the game sold "well beyond expectations" and applauded the developers for their efforts. He noted the game would continue to see updates all throughout 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/interviews/22170222/nintendo-doug-bowser-interview-switch-pro-joycon-drift-animal-crossing|title=Doug Bowser on Nintendo's obsession with March 31, plus Joy-Con drift and the Switch Pro rumors|date=December 16, 2020|access-date=October 6, 2021|website=Polygon|last=Frushtick|first=Russ|archive-date=April 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403160932/https://www.polygon.com/interviews/22170222/nintendo-doug-bowser-interview-switch-pro-joycon-drift-animal-crossing|url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 90/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/animal-crossing-new-horizons/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=May 4, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113061221/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/animal-crossing-new-horizons|url-status=live}}

| 4P = 8.0/10{{cite web|last=Bischoff|first=Jenns|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/Switch/Test/40001/84292/0/Animal_Crossing_New_Horizons.html|title=Test: Animal Crossing: New Horizons|website=4Players|publisher=Computec Media GmbH|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318081249/https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/Switch/Test/40001/84292/0/Animal_Crossing_New_Horizons.html|url-status=live}}

| Fam = 38/40{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=March 10, 2020|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/the_first_animal_crossing_new_horizons_review_is_in_and_it_might_surprise_you|title=The First Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review Is In, And It Might Surprise You|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318225123/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/the_first_animal_crossing_new_horizons_review_is_in_and_it_might_surprise_you|url-status=live}}

| GI = 9/10{{cite magazine|last=Cork|first=Jeff|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/animal-crossing-new-horizons/a-wholesome-island-oasis-animal-crossing-new-horizons-review|title=Review: Animal Crossing: New Horizons|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329053253/https://www.gameinformer.com/index.php/review/animal-crossing-new-horizons/a-wholesome-island-oasis-animal-crossing-new-horizons-review|url-status=live}}

| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Sam|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review: "The Ultimate Getaway from Reality"|website=GamesRadar+|publisher=Future plc|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329053451/https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/|url-status=live}}

| IGN = 9/10{{cite web|last=Claiborn|first=Samuel|date=March 17, 2020|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-for-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329053906/https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-for-switch|url-status=live}}

| NLife = {{Rating|10|10}}{{cite web|last=Olney|first=Alex|date=March 17, 2020|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/animal_crossing_new_horizons|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329053747/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/animal_crossing_new_horizons|url-status=live}}

| USG = 4.5/5{{cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Caty|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review: The Only Debt You'll Want to Stay In|website=USgamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329054007/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review|url-status=live}}

| PG = 5/5{{Cite web|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/082468/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons review - "The best form of digital escapism to date"|access-date=March 10, 2021|first=Dann|last=Sullivan|website=Pocket Gamer|date=March 16, 2020|archive-date=May 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511164153/https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/082468/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/|url-status=live}}

| GSpot = 9/10

| PCM = 4/5{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/animal-crossing-new-horizons-for-nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons (for Nintendo Switch) Review|date=April 2, 2020|access-date=October 21, 2021|website=PCMag|last=Greenwald|first=Will|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021114852/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/animal-crossing-new-horizons-for-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}

| VB = 95/100{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/03/16/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons review — A refined island getaway|date=March 16, 2020|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=VentureBeat|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160915/https://venturebeat.com/2020/03/16/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/|url-status=live}}

}}

Animal Crossing: New Horizons received "universal acclaim" according to review aggregator website Metacritic, becoming the highest-rated game in the series on the website.{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/animal-crossing-new-horizons/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113061221/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/animal-crossing-new-horizons |url-status=live }} The game was awarded perfect scores by Nintendo Life and Pocket Gamer. However, the game has been subject to review bombing due to its handling of Switch profiles and multiplayer in which only one player per console can experience the full game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/23/21191442/animal-crossing-new-horizons-local-multiplayer-flimsy-axe-bug-no-progress-locked-nook|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons has some problems when you create multiple accounts|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=March 23, 2020|website=Polygon|access-date=April 4, 2020|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330191652/https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/23/21191442/animal-crossing-new-horizons-local-multiplayer-flimsy-axe-bug-no-progress-locked-nook|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/angry_players_are_starting_to_review-bomb_animal_crossing_new_horizons|title=Angry Players Are Starting To Review-Bomb Animal Crossing: New Horizons|last=Craddock|first=Ryan|date=March 24, 2020|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=April 5, 2020|archive-date=April 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401221512/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/angry_players_are_starting_to_review-bomb_animal_crossing_new_horizons|url-status=live}}

Most enjoyed the Nook Miles system, stating that it gave the player something to do and a goal to reach. Dann Sullivan, writing for Pocket Gamer, liked how it gave the player "optional direction". USGamer also joked how nobody can complain about how there is nothing to do. The D.I.Y. system was also praised, with Nintendo Life taking note of how no resource is useless. Polygon{{'}}s Russ Frushtick lauded the ability for unrestricted creativity that allowed for the player to design the island with furniture and building layout, leading to a "true representation of the player who created it."{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2020/3/16/21178911/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a much-needed escape from everything|date=March 26, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2021|website=Polygon|last=Frushtick|first=Russ|archive-date=October 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017211609/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2020/3/16/21178911/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}} Eurogamer Deputy Editor Martin Robinson stated that the game has some very impressive improvements which allowed for a much clearer and more defined structure overall that gave the game play a better feel and cohesion than ever before.{{Cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=March 16, 2020|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons review - a magical vivarium, and one of Nintendo's best games yet|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-16-animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-a-magical-vivarium-and-one-of-nintendos-best-games-yet|access-date=April 26, 2021|website=Eurogamer|language=en|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329102617/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-16-animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-a-magical-vivarium-and-one-of-nintendos-best-games-yet|url-status=live}}

Critics from GameSpot and Game Informer praised the creative freedom and control offered by the game, such as being allowed to choose where buildings and bridges are placed.{{Cite web|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review - Island Getaway|url=https://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons/|access-date=April 23, 2021|website=GameSpot|date=April 9, 2020|first=Kallie|last=Plagge|archive-date=April 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405022343/https://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons/|url-status=live}} In particular, the Island Designer App was lauded for its ability to create natural structures, although there were minor complaints about how the player could not expand the island and could only reshape it. GamesRadar+ appreciated the retaining of old characters and concepts with the addition of new gameplay mechanics. TechRadar lauded the game's sound and visuals, writing "everything is sharp, smooth, colorful and a big improvement on previous releases."{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/animal-crossing-new-horizons|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons review|date=March 16, 2020|access-date=October 21, 2021|website=Tech Radar|last=Boyle|first=Emma|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305041323/https://www.techradar.com/reviews/animal-crossing-new-horizons|url-status=live}}

Slant Magazine{{'}}s Steven Scaife was more critical of the game, arguing that "By consolidating so much power in the hands of an individual player, New Horizons threatens to upend the Animal Crossing vision of community living."{{Cite web |last=Scaife |first=Steven |date=2020-04-13 |title='Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Review: God of the Sandbox |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/review-animal-crossing-new-horizons-makes-you-the-god-of-the-sandbox/ |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Slant Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008075413/https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/review-animal-crossing-new-horizons-makes-you-the-god-of-the-sandbox/ |url-status=live }}

Many had complaints about time restrictions in the early phases of the game. Since the game runs in real-time, most of the resources available replenish the next day, and reviewers were left with little to do in the beginning. IGN{{'}}s Samuel Claiborn refused to time travel in prior titles, but ultimately was tempted into putting the system's clock ahead 15 days in when more tools were unlocked and to begin what he believed was when the game had faster pacing. 4Players enjoyed the lack of time-related pressure and the option to time travel if preferred.

Outside of gameplay itself, New Horizons received acclaim for the timing of the release, coming out just as stay-at-home orders were being fortified. Reviewer Louryne Strampe of WIRED found that the game was exactly what she needed for her mental health and added that she and her colleagues find solace when visiting each other's respective islands.{{Cite magazine|title='Animal Crossing' Is the Game We All Need Right Now|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/rave-animal-crossing-new-horizons/|access-date=April 23, 2021|first=Louryne|last=Strampe|issn=1059-1028|date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329173129/https://www.wired.com/story/rave-animal-crossing-new-horizons/|url-status=live}} Due to online multiplayer options, it also gave critics the opportunity to play with friends during quarantine.{{Cite web|url=https://nymag.com/strategist/article/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review.html|title=Playing Animal Crossing Is the Closest I've Come to Taking a Vacation This Year|date=December 3, 2020|access-date=November 8, 2021|website=The Strategist|last=Munoy|first=Leah|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023191955/https://nymag.com/strategist/article/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review.html|url-status=live}} The release of New Horizons, has also sparked in popularity of the term cozy game{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/what-makes-a-cozy-game-cozy |title=What are Cozy Games, and What Makes Them Cozy? |access-date=April 23, 2024 |date=November 28, 2022 |last=Campbell |first=Colin |work=GamesIndustry.biz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207004455/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/what-makes-a-cozy-game-cozy |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |url-status=live}} which meant that the term was also adopted to various farm sims such as Stardew Valley.

The downloadable content expansion, Happy Home Paradise, was well received. Lisa Segarra of Kotaku found the prompts for designing villager homes to be "exhilarating" and that it "sparked inspiration". She found that the update brought "so much new life into the game".{{cite web|title=Animal Crossing's Happy Home DLC Isn't Just Worth Buying, It's A Must-Play|first=Lisa|last=Segarra|website=Kotaku|date=November 8, 2021|access-date=November 10, 2021|url=https://kotaku.com/animal-crossings-happy-home-dlc-isnt-just-worth-buying-1848015955|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110202941/https://kotaku.com/animal-crossings-happy-home-dlc-isnt-just-worth-buying-1848015955|url-status=live}} Kate Gray of Nintendo Life described the new content in the expansion and the free update as being comparable to "a big lick of paint over the whole game". The depth and quantity of new content was praised, and minor improvements were deemed to "really make it worth sticking around", though the finality of the update was criticized.{{cite web|title=Feature: Our Verdict On Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Update 2.0, The "Last Major Free Content"|first=Kate|last=Gray|website=Nintendo Life|date=November 10, 2021|access-date=November 10, 2021|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/our-verdict-on-animal-crossing-new-horizons-update-2-0-the-last-major-free-content|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110203258/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/our-verdict-on-animal-crossing-new-horizons-update-2-0-the-last-major-free-content|url-status=live}}

Due to the seasonal and real-time connection in New Horizons, the game saw multiple second opinions by critics and fans as new content was released, usually of positive to mixed reception. According to Vice Media and VentureBeat about 6 weeks after the release date, players who played the game for large amounts of time shortly after its release tended to suffer from burnout and play significantly less by the time the game had been released for six weeks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/jgezwk/animal-crossing-new-horizons-is-not-the-game-we-all-need-right-now|title='Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Is Not the Game We All Need Right Now|date=April 14, 2020|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=Vice Media|last=Jackson|first=Gita|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024120435/https://www.vice.com/en/article/jgezwk/animal-crossing-new-horizons-is-not-the-game-we-all-need-right-now|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/15/6-weeks-with-animal-crossing-new-horizons-reveals-many-frustrations/|title=6 weeks with Animal Crossing: New Horizons reveals many frustrations|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=VentureBeat|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022104354/https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/15/6-weeks-with-animal-crossing-new-horizons-reveals-many-frustrations/|url-status=live}} Vice Media noted how the game wasn't designed for people to be playing all the time and was rather intended for distraction, but "the pandemic isn't giving people much of a choice"; they reflected on the nature of the Animal Crossing series and how the game is better enjoyed at a slower pace of action. Venturebeat{{'}}s Jeff Grubb was able to recognize smaller hindrances and slow-paced gameplay that became increasingly frustrating the more he had to use them. Despite this, both reviewers continued to play and looked at the game positively by April 2020.

A year later, past reviews were revisited by Andrew Webster and Brendan Lowry, writing for The Verge and iMore respectively, and both expressed similar thoughts of what the game had become;{{Cite web|url=https://www.imore.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-worth-coming-back|title=Is Animal Crossing: New Horizons worth coming back to in 2021?|date=September 13, 2021|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=iMore|last=Lowry|first=Brendan|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103113541/https://www.imore.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-worth-coming-back|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/19/22339896/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-one-year-nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons review: one year later|date=March 19, 2021|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=The Verge|last=Webster|first=Andrew|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020130146/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/19/22339896/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-one-year-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}} they both agreed the lack of island progression not continuing beyond a few months made returning difficult to enjoy, with iMore expressing concerns for the lack of upgrades to components such as buildings and shops, and The Verge considering the Nook Miles system to be "an afterthought" rather than goals to look forward to. Both still continued to enjoy daily tasks of tending to the island, however, with both citing how it gives the player something to do and offers a small distraction from the real world. By the release of the November 2021 update, fans were torn on restarting their island entirely to recapture the experience, as highlighted by Nicole Carpenter, writing for Polygon.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22750681/animal-crossing-new-horizons-acnh-update-restart-island|title=For some Animal Crossing players, New Horizons' 2.0 update means starting over|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=Polygon|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103124639/https://www.polygon.com/22750681/animal-crossing-new-horizons-acnh-update-restart-island|url-status=live}}

Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold over 1.88{{nbsp}}million physical copies at launch in Japan, breaking the record held by Pokémon Sword and Shield for biggest Switch game debut in the region.{{cite magazine |title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』パッケージ版が発売3日間で188万本を販売！ スイッチ向けソフトで歴代1位の初週販売本数 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202003/25195316.html |access-date=March 25, 2020 |magazine=Famitsu |date=March 25, 2020 |language=ja |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329065302/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202003/25195316.html |url-status=live }} The game sold 720,791 physical copies in its second week in Japan,{{cite news |last1=Craddock |first1=Ryan |title=Japanese Charts: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Looks Unstoppable With Mighty Second Week On Sale |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/04/japanese_charts_animal_crossing_new_horizons_looks_unstoppable_with_mighty_second_week_on_sale |access-date=April 21, 2020 |work=Nintendo Life |date=April 1, 2020 |archive-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410183528/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/04/japanese_charts_animal_crossing_new_horizons_looks_unstoppable_with_mighty_second_week_on_sale |url-status=live }} selling more than Animal Crossing: New Leaf did in its first week. {{As of|2020|4|26|df=US}}, the game has sold 3,895,159 physical copies in Japan.{{cite news |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Famitsu Sales: 4/20/20 – 4/26/20 [Update] |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/famitsu-sales-4-20-20-4-26-20 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |work=Gematsu |date=April 30, 2020 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501111550/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/famitsu-sales-4-20-20-4-26-20 |url-status=live }} In North America, it was the best-selling game of March 2020, becoming the second-bestselling game of 2020 and surpassing the lifetime sales of all previous Animal Crossing games. New Horizons generated the third highest known launch month sales of any Nintendo-published game (since The NPD Group began tracking video game sales in 1995), after Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) and Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008).{{cite news |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |title=March 2020 NPD: Animal Crossing powers March to blockbuster game sales |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/21/march-2020-npd-animal-crossing-powers-march-to-blockbuster-game-sales/ |access-date=April 21, 2020 |work=VentureBeat |date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422005043/https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/21/march-2020-npd-animal-crossing-powers-march-to-blockbuster-game-sales/ |url-status=live }} In the United Kingdom, the physical launch sales were roughly quadrupled than those of New Leaf, making it the biggest Switch game launch in the region.{{cite news |last1=Dring |first1=Christopher |title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons smashes sales records in the UK |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-03-22-animal-crossing-new-horizons-smashes-sales-records-in-the-uk |date=March 22, 2020 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=March 25, 2020 |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329065813/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-03-22-animal-crossing-new-horizons-smashes-sales-records-in-the-uk |url-status=live }} It also sold triple the units of the second-bestselling game, new entry Doom Eternal.{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Wow, Animal Crossing: New Horizons sales are through the roof |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-23-wow-animal-crossing-new-horizons-sales-are-through-the-roof |access-date=March 25, 2020 |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=March 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323125519/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-23-wow-animal-crossing-new-horizons-sales-are-through-the-roof |url-status=live }} In Germany, New Horizons sold more than 200,000 copies after a few days of release, for which it has been certified with a Platinum Sales Award by German trade association GAME.{{cite web |url=https://www.game.de/reif-fuer-die-insel-der-game-sales-award-im-maerz/ |title=Reif für die Insel: Der game Sales Award im März |language=de |publisher=game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche |date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=April 18, 2020 |archive-date=May 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510022725/https://www.game.de/reif-fuer-die-insel-der-game-sales-award-im-maerz/ |url-status=live }}

Nielsen division SuperData Research estimates that New Horizons sold five million digital copies worldwide in March 2020, setting a new digital sales record by selling more digital units in a single calendar month than any other console game in history. It surpassed the previous record set by Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018).{{cite news |title=Worldwide digital games market |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/worldwide-digital-games-market/ |access-date=April 22, 2020 |work=SuperData |publisher=Nielsen Company |date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422233926/https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/worldwide-digital-games-market/|archive-date=April 22, 2020}} Nintendo reported that 11.77 million units were sold within 12 days by March 31, 2020, and a total of 13.41 million units after six weeks on the market, making it "the best start ever for a Nintendo Switch title" by the end of its 2019 fiscal year,{{Cite web | url = https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200507e.pdf | title = Consolidated Financial Highlights - Q4 FY2020 | publisher = Nintendo | date = May 7, 2020 | access-date = May 7, 2020 | archive-date = May 7, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200507085457/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200507e.pdf | url-status = live }} as well as one of the best-selling games on the console and the best-selling game of the Animal Crossing series.{{Cite web|title=Nintendo million sellers - May 2020 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons at over 13 million and more|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-million-sellers-may-2020-animal-crossing-new-horizons-at-over-13-million-and-more/|date=May 7, 2020|website=Nintendo Everything|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=May 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510171434/https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-million-sellers-may-2020-animal-crossing-new-horizons-at-over-13-million-and-more/|url-status=live}} It later sold {{nowrap|22.4 million}} units worldwide after three months by June 2020{{cite web |title=Consolidated Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200806e.pdf#page=3 |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 6, 2020 |page=3 |access-date=February 18, 2021 |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217143332/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200806e.pdf#page=3 |url-status=live }} and {{nowrap|26.04 million}} units after six months by September 2020.{{cite web |title=Consolidated Results for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2020 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/201105e.pdf#page=3 |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 6, 2020 |page=3 |access-date=February 18, 2021 |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217143339/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/201105e.pdf#page=3 |url-status=live }}

On August 9, 2020, it was reported that Animal Crossing: New Horizons became the second-highest selling game of all time in Japan, only after Pokémon Red and Blue.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/08/animal_crossing_new_horizons_is_now_japans_second_best-selling_game_ever|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Now Japan's Second Best-Selling Game Ever|date=August 9, 2020|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=January 28, 2021|archive-date=December 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217104433/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/08/animal_crossing_new_horizons_is_now_japans_second_best-selling_game_ever|url-status=live}} It was also reported in November 2020 that it was the fastest game to sell over six million copies in Japan.{{cite web|last=Partleton|first=Kayleigh|date=November 30, 2020|url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/75176/new-horizons-becomes-fastest-game-to-sell-six-million-copies-japan/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons becomes the fastest-ever game to sell six million copies in Japan|publisher=Pocketgamer.biz|access-date=December 3, 2020|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205184612/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/75176/new-horizons-becomes-fastest-game-to-sell-six-million-copies-japan/|url-status=live}} It was the year's best-selling game in Japan, second best-selling game in the United Kingdom, and third best-selling game in the United States.{{cite news |last1=Batchelor |first1=James |title=GamesIndustry.biz presents… The Year in Numbers 2020 |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-12-21-gamesindustry-biz-presents-the-year-in-numbers-2020 |access-date=January 2, 2021 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=Gamer Network |date=December 22, 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125171830/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-12-21-gamesindustry-biz-presents-the-year-in-numbers-2020 |url-status=live }} The game grossed {{US$|654 million|long=no}} in global digital sales by the end of 2020, making it the year's seventh highest-grossing digital premium game worldwide.{{cite web |title=Games and interactive media earnings rose 12% to $139.9B in 2020 |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/2020-year-in-review |website=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Company |date=January 6, 2021 |url-access=registration |access-date=January 6, 2021 |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127010826/https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/2020-year-in-review |url-status=live }} In January 2021, The NPD Group revealed the best-selling games of 2020 in the United States. New Horizons was ranked third behind Call of Duty: Black Ops: Cold War and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The publication revealed that New Horizons was the best-selling Nintendo game in terms of physical copies in the US since 2010's Wii Fit Plus.{{Cite web |title=NPD reveals the best-selling games of 2020 in the U.S. |url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/15/npd-reveals-the-best-selling-games-of-2020-in-the-u-s/ |date=January 15, 2021 |website=Venture Beat |access-date=February 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704135603/https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/15/npd-reveals-the-best-selling-games-of-2020-in-the-u-s/ |url-status=live }} It was also the second best-selling game of the year in physical copies in the United Kingdom, behind FIFA 21.{{Cite web|title=The best-selling video game of 2020 was FIFA 21 and Persona 5 Royal is the highest rated|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/23/best-selling-video-game-of-2020-is-fifa-21-persona-5-is-highest-rated-13796429/|date=December 23, 2020|website=Metro|access-date=February 19, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514155300/https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/23/best-selling-video-game-of-2020-is-fifa-21-persona-5-is-highest-rated-13796429/|url-status=live}}

By March 2021, the game had sold {{nowrap|32.63 million}} units, making it the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game, behind only Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.{{Cite web|title=IR Information: Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|date=May 6, 2021|website=Nintendo|access-date=May 6, 2021|archive-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130072006/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|url-status=live}} The game had grossed an estimated {{US$|2 billion|long=no}} in its first year {{as of|2021|3|lc=y}}, the fifth highest first-year revenue for any video game.{{cite news |last1=DeAngelo |first1=Daniel |title=Genshin Impact Made More Money in Its First Year Than Any Other Game |url=https://gamerant.com/genshin-impact-made-more-money-in-its-first-year-than-any-other-game/ |access-date=January 16, 2022 |work=Game Rant |date=November 3, 2021 |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116100151/https://gamerant.com/genshin-impact-made-more-money-in-its-first-year-than-any-other-game/ |url-status=live }} After the 2.0 update in November 2021, Nintendo revealed in a financial report that game sales reached 34.85 million units sold.{{Cite web|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|access-date=November 20, 2021|website=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525004107/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|url-status=live}} A February 2022 report revealed that the game had sold {{nowrap|37.62 million}} units, selling more than the rest of the Animal Crossing games combined.{{cite news |last1=Henry |first1=Joshua |title=New Horizons Has Sold More Than Every Previous Animal Crossing Game Combined |url=https://www.thegamer.com/new-horizons-sales-more-than-every-animal-crossing-combined/ |access-date=February 4, 2022 |work=TheGamer |date=February 3, 2022 |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530192422/https://www.thegamer.com/new-horizons-sales-more-than-every-animal-crossing-combined/ |url-status=live }}

As of June 30, 2022, total sales reached 39.38 million copies.{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html | title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units | access-date=February 8, 2024 | archive-date=January 30, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130072006/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html | url-status=live }} Total sales reached 40.17 million by September 30, 2022. On November 9, 2022, it was reported that Animal Crossing: New Horizons became the best-selling game of all time in Japan.{{cite web |title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Has Become Japan's Best-Selling Game of All Time |date=November 9, 2022 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-japans-best-selling-game-of-all-time |access-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119151129/https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-japans-best-selling-game-of-all-time |url-status=live }} As of December 31, 2024, total sales reached 47.44 million copies.

New Horizons has won numerous awards; the game won the categories for "Best Game in China" and "Game of the Year" at the Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards. Additionally, the game also was nominated for "Game of the Year" as well as the best multiplayer and family game at The Game Awards 2020, and ultimately won the "Best Family Game" category. At the Japan Game Awards 2020, the game was nominated for the "Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Award" as well as "Game of the Year", and won both categories. The game received an "Award for Excellence" at the event. New Horizons was nominated for similar categories at the Golden Joystick Awards 2020 and won the "Nintendo Game of the Year" category. During the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded Animal Crossing: New Horizons with "Family Game of the Year", along with nominations for "Online Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2021&idGame=1747 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Detail Animal Crossing: New Horizons |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=20 July 2023 |archive-date=July 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720190830/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2021&idGame=1747 |url-status=live }} The game was nominated at the 2021 Kids' Choice Awards for Favourite Video Game. The game won the "Game Beyond Entertainment" and "Best Multiplayer" categories at the 2021 British Academy Games Awards (BAFTA) and was nominated for four others. The Game Developers Choice Awards saw nominations for Best Design alongside Game of the Year.

{{See also|Nookazon|Animal Talking with Gary Whitta|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the video game industry#Popular games during the pandemic}}

Reviewers and news organizations highlighted the game's sense of escapism, in contrast to the COVID-19 pandemic, as attributing to its success.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/30/us/animal-crossing-mental-health-escape-coronavirus-wellness-trnd/index.html|title=Animal Crossing is letting people live out their wildest fantasy: Normalcy|last=Willingham|first=AJ|date=March 30, 2020|work=CNN|access-date=March 31, 2020|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331021136/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/30/us/animal-crossing-mental-health-escape-coronavirus-wellness-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}} An NBC News op-ed declared, "[New Horizons] is the coronavirus distraction we needed" at a time of widespread social distancing and stay-at-home orders.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/animal-crossing-new-horizons-coronavirus-distraction-we-needed-ncna1170521|title='Animal Crossing: New Horizons' is the coronavirus distraction we needed|last=Bundel|first=Ani|date=March 29, 2020|work=NBC News THINK|access-date=March 31, 2020|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330230834/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/animal-crossing-new-horizons-coronavirus-distraction-we-needed-ncna1170521|url-status=live}} Imad Khan of The New York Times called the game a "phenomenon", and stated that "with the world in the grip of a pandemic, the wildly popular game is a conveniently timed piece of whimsy, particularly for millennials."{{cite web |last1=Khan |first1=Imad |title=Why Animal Crossing Is the Game for the Coronavirus Moment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/arts/animal-crossing-covid-coronavirus-popularity-millennials.html |website=The New York Times |date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408150507/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/arts/animal-crossing-covid-coronavirus-popularity-millennials.html |url-status=live }} Many people have utilized the game in different ways for business and/or socialization. Funerals, weddings, and graduations were held in the game, with even a talk show spawning, titled Animal Talking.{{Cite news|last=Paul|first=Kari|date=May 9, 2020|title=Dating, a talk show and a dominatrix: Animal Crossing gamers explore new horizons during pandemic|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/may/09/animal-crossing-nintendo-game-coronavirus-pandemic|access-date=May 21, 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=May 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520152652/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/may/09/animal-crossing-nintendo-game-coronavirus-pandemic|url-status=live}} The Monterey Bay Aquarium, California, during the COVID-19 pandemic, has regularly held live streams of animal feedings.{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-museum-monterey-bay-aquarium-tour-news |title=Monterey Bay Aquarium is Using Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Museum in a Unique Way |website=USGamer |first=Eric |last=Van Allen |date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=April 18, 2020 |archive-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425143623/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-museum-monterey-bay-aquarium-tour-news |url-status=live }} Twitter revealed, in early January 2021, that Animal Crossing: New Horizons was the most tweeted-about game in 2020.{{Cite web|last=Gray|first=Kate|date=January 11, 2021|title=There Were Over 2 Billion Tweets About Gaming In 2020, Most Of It For Animal Crossing|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/there_were_over_2_billion_tweets_about_gaming_in_2020_most_of_it_for_animal_crossing|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112024802/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/there_were_over_2_billion_tweets_about_gaming_in_2020_most_of_it_for_animal_crossing|archive-date=January 12, 2021|access-date=January 12, 2021|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB}} During the lockdowns, the release of the game led to the increased popularity of cozy games. Colin Campbell of GamesIndustry.biz found only "a handful" of the "dozens" of games described as "cozy" on digital distributor Steam were released before 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/what-makes-a-cozy-game-cozy |title=What are Cozy Games, and What Makes Them Cozy? |access-date=March 12, 2024 |date=November 28, 2022 |last=Campbell |first=Colin |work=GamesIndustry.biz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207004455/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/what-makes-a-cozy-game-cozy |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |url-status=live}}

The Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign released official digital yard signs for use in the game that players could use to decorate their islands.{{Cite web|last=Kelly|first=Makena|date=September 1, 2020|title=Biden campaign launches official Animal Crossing: New Horizons yard signs|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/1/21409727/biden-harris-animal-crossing-campaign-new-horizons-yard-signs-election|access-date=September 1, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125204030/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/1/21409727/biden-harris-animal-crossing-campaign-new-horizons-yard-signs-election|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Moreno|first=J. Edward|date=September 1, 2020|title=Biden campaign releases Animal Crossing yard signs|url=https://thehill.com/policy/technology/514585-biden-campaign-releases-animal-crossing-yard-signs|access-date=September 1, 2020|website=TheHill|language=en|archive-date=December 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206183737/https://thehill.com/policy/technology/514585-biden-campaign-releases-animal-crossing-yard-signs|url-status=live}} The game was also used by democracy activists in Hong Kong, including Joshua Wong, as a platform to protest virtually. In reaction, the game was removed from online stores in China such as Taobao where it had been available on the grey market.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-china-animalcrossing/nintendo-game-pulled-from-chinese-platforms-after-hong-kong-protest-idUSKCN21S11F |title=Nintendo game pulled from Chinese platforms after Hong Kong protest |website=Reuters |date=April 10, 2020 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410104013/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-china-animalcrossing/nintendo-game-pulled-from-chinese-platforms-after-hong-kong-protest-idUSKCN21S11F |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52269671 | title = Animal Crossing removed from sale in China amid Hong Kong protests | date = April 13, 2020 | access-date = April 13, 2020 | work = BBC | archive-date = April 16, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200416110238/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52269671 | url-status = live }}{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/04/15/activist-joshua-wong-trolls-chinese-censors-after-gamers-blame-him-for-animal-crossing-ban/ |title=Activist Joshua Wong 'trolls' Chinese censors after gamers blame him for Animal Crossing ban |website=Hong Kong Free Press |first=Rachel |last=Wong |date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=April 18, 2020 |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415163440/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/04/15/activist-joshua-wong-trolls-chinese-censors-after-gamers-blame-him-for-animal-crossing-ban/ |url-status=live }} Nintendo announced on November 19, 2020, a new set of guidelines for using the game, including the ban on using it for political activities.{{Cite web|last=Beckwith|first=Michael|date=November 19, 2020|title=Nintendo Wants to Keep Politics Out of Animal Crossing: New Horizons|url=https://gamerant.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-politics-nintendo/|access-date=November 21, 2020|website=Game Rant|language=en-US|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119171601/https://gamerant.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-politics-nintendo/|url-status=live}}

In March 2021, the National Videogame Museum kept a record of the game and its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, titled the "Animal Crossing Diaries". The records contain visuals, audio, interviews from players throughout 2020, who kept track of their progress and reflected on their experience and how it affected them. According to Lex Roberts, the curator, the goal was to encapture what made the game so popular, alongside its cultural impact, to players who enjoyed the game after COVID-19 restrictions were settled. They were requested by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to "collect the history as it's happening", and they were funded by the charity to do so.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/16/22321111/animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-archive-one-year-anniversary|title=Archivists are Trying to Chronicle Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Unforgettable First Year|date=March 16, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|website=The Verge|last=Castello|first=Jay|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006235440/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/16/22321111/animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-archive-one-year-anniversary|url-status=live}} The website containing the records opened in September 2021, and covered the 18 months after the game's release.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/09/animal_crossing_new_horizons_online_exhibition_opens_with_player_diaries|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Online Exhibition Opens With Player Diaries|date=September 10, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|website=Nintendo Life|last=Gray|first=Kate|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007003708/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/09/animal_crossing_new_horizons_online_exhibition_opens_with_player_diaries|url-status=live}}

Two Japanese aquariums have hosted a special Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed event in collaboration with Nintendo. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, located in Yokohama, held this event during the months of July and August 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/471368|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Collaborates With Japanese Aquarium |date=July 12, 2021}} Umigatari Joetsu Aquarium, in Niigata Prefecture, held the second event for three months in the summer of 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://game-news24.com/2023/06/07/animal-crossing-is-the-official-event-at-the-joetsu-aquarium/|title=ANIMAL CROSSING IS THE OFFICIAL EVENT AT THE JOETSU AQUARIUM|first=William|last=B|date=June 7, 2023|access-date=August 28, 2023|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828050355/https://game-news24.com/2023/06/07/animal-crossing-is-the-official-event-at-the-joetsu-aquarium/|url-status=live}} Both aquariums offered a stamp rally, exclusive merchandise and many Easter eggs were hidden within their regular exhibits.

A tie-in manga series, {{nihongo||あつまれ どうぶつの森〜のんびり島だより〜|Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori: Nonbiri Shima Dayori|{{lit}} "Get Together: Animal Forest ~Carefree Island News~"}}, began serialization in the manga magazine Ciao on December 28, 2019. The series is written and illustrated by Minori Katō, and follows a villager named Hana who moves to an unpopulated island.{{cite web |last1=Hodgkins |first1=Crystalyn |title=Animal Crossing Game Franchise Gets Manga in December |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-11-29/animal-crossing-game-franchise-gets-manga-in-december/.153845 |website=Anime News Network |date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203050450/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-11-29/animal-crossing-game-franchise-gets-manga-in-december/.153845 |url-status=live }} Another manga series, Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori: Nonbiri Shima Diary, launched in the June 2020 issue of Coro Coro Comics.{{Cite web|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Game Gets New Manga in June|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-14/animal-crossing-new-horizons-game-gets-new-manga-in-june/.159520|website=Anime News Network|language=en|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521040328/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-14/animal-crossing-new-horizons-game-gets-new-manga-in-june/.159520|url-status=live}} The first volume was published in English as Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Deserted Island Diary on September 14, 2021, by Viz Media.{{Cite web|last=Arrant|first=Chris|date=August 19, 2021|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons makes US manga debut with Deserted Island Diary|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-deserted-island-diary-manga/|access-date=September 14, 2021|website=gamesradar|language=en|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914213546/https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-deserted-island-diary-manga/|url-status=live}}

Nook Tails, a tie-in comic strip series by Cho Hanayo featuring the characters Tom Nook, Timmy, and Tommy, began serialization on the game's Japanese website on October 15, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.tanuki-kaihatsu.com/|title=島のくらしのパートナー たぬき開発|website=www.tanuki-kaihatsu.com|access-date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310032256/https://www.tanuki-kaihatsu.com/|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet |user=doubutsuno_mori |number=1184043179110092802 |date=October 15, 2019 |title= 【お知らせ】Nintendo Liveの「たぬき開発 無人島移住パッケージ説明会」にお越しいただいた皆様、ありがとうございました。「たぬき開発」HPにて、説明会の様子や次回のご案内、4コマまんがを掲載しておりますので、よろしければご覧ください。}} An English-language translation of the series has been posted on the game's English Twitter account beginning on March 4, 2020.{{cite tweet |user=animalcrossing |number=1235263744948592640 |date=March 4, 2020 |title=You can build so many things with DIY recipes. I'm excited to see what you will make! Yes, yes! #AnimalCrossing #ACNH }} Multiple guide books have been released in Japan, some with well-over 1000 pages. These guides have been greatly popular in the country, with large queues (despite shelter-in-place orders), and prompting mass reselling online.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/the-new-animal-crossing-guide-book-draws-a-crowd-in-jap-1843334949|title=The New Animal Crossing Guide Book Draws A Crowd In Japan|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|date=May 8, 2020|access-date=May 8, 2020|archive-date=May 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510140301/https://kotaku.com/the-new-animal-crossing-guide-book-draws-a-crowd-in-jap-1843334949|url-status=live|website=Kotaku}}

In January 2021, ColourPop released a makeup collection inspired by the game's characters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/19/22239450/animal-crossing-makeup-line-colourpop-collaboration|title=Animal Crossing is getting an official makeup line|first=Mitchell|last=Clark|date=January 19, 2021|website=The Verge|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515213820/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/19/22239450/animal-crossing-makeup-line-colourpop-collaboration|url-status=live}} In March 2021, Build-A-Bear Workshop announced an Animal Crossing: New Horizons collection of plush toys.{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=March 10, 2021 |title=Animal Crossing Build-a-Bears Are Moving In |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-build-a-bears-are-moving-in |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704135426/https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-build-a-bears-are-moving-in |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |access-date=March 10, 2021 |website=IGN |via=}}

Nintendo announced an aquarium tour throughout the United States starting on June 14, 2024 and running through February 28, 2025. Photo ops, character standees, and much more are available for aquarium visitors.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/events/play-events/animal-crossing-aquarium-tour/?srsltid=AfmBOooBWHT7e5Ess7Rd-PEgNMnjav5K1TICneeUs3e87K1ujhU9nTrC|title=Explore the wonders of aquatic life with the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour!|access-date=August 21, 2024|publisher=Nintendo|archive-date=August 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821062715/https://www.nintendo.com/us/events/play-events/animal-crossing-aquarium-tour/?srsltid=AfmBOooBWHT7e5Ess7Rd-PEgNMnjav5K1TICneeUs3e87K1ujhU9nTrC|url-status=live}}

{{notelist}}

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{{cite web

|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/13/how-tom-nook-uses-his-money-and-14-more-details-about-animal-crossing-new-horizons-e3-2019

|title= How Tom Nook Uses His Money and 14 More Details About Animal Crossing: New Horizons

|last= Sanchez

|first= Miranda

|date= June 12, 2019

|work= IGN

|access-date= June 16, 2019

|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190614173246/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/13/how-tom-nook-uses-his-money-and-14-more-details-about-animal-crossing-new-horizons-e3-2019

|archive-date= June 14, 2019

|url-status= live

}}

{{cite web

|url= https://www.ign.com/wikis/animal-crossing-new-horizons/Dodo_Airlines

|title= Dodo Airlines

|last=

|first=

|date= April 10, 2020

|work= IGN

|access-date= March 14, 2021

|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210314173033/https://www.ign.com/wikis/animal-crossing-new-horizons/Dodo_Airlines

|archive-date= March 14, 2021

|url-status= live

}}

}}

• {{Official website|https://animalcrossing.nintendo.com/new-horizons/}}

{{Animal Crossing series}}

{{JGA GOTY}}

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Category:2020 video games

Category:2020s fads and trends

New Horizons

Category:British Academy Games Award for Game Beyond Entertainment winners

Category:British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer winners

Category:Golden Joystick Award winners

Category:Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the video game industry

Category:Japan Game Awards' Game of the Year winners

Category:Life simulation games

Category:Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development games

Category:Nintendo Switch games

Category:Nintendo Switch-only games

Category:Social simulation video games

Category:Video game sequels

Category:Video games about raccoons

Category:Video games about dogs

Category:Video games developed in Japan

Category:Video games with customizable avatars

Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists

Category:Video games scored by Kazumi Totaka

Category:Video games set on fictional islands

Category:Video games that use Amiibo figurines

Category:Works banned in China

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games

Category:Cozy games