Editing Animal Crossing: New Horizons

|title       = [[File:NH Logo English.png|200px|English logo]]

|image       = [[File:NH Box NA.png|200px|North American game cover]]

|caption     = North American game cover

|theme       = [[File:Main Theme NH.flac|Main theme]]

|developer   = {{wp|Nintendo EPD}}

|publisher   = [[Nintendo]]

|director     = [[Aya Kyogoku]]

|producer     = Hisashi Nogami

|programmer   = Yoshitaka Takeshita<br>Hiromichi Miyake

|artist       = Koji Takahashi

|writer       = Makoto Wada

|composer     = Yasuaki Iwata<br>Yumi Takahashi<br>Shinobu Nagata<br>Sayako Doi<br>Masato Ohashi

|series       = ''[[Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]''

|released     = {{Flag|WLD}} March 20, 2020<ref name = "eShop description">{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details}}</ref>

|genre       = Simulation

|modes       = Single-player <br> Multiplayer <small>(1–4 player co-op; 1–8 player local wireless/online)</small>

|ratings     = {{Rating|ESRB=E|PEGI=3|CERO=A|USK=0|ACB=G|ClassInd=L|RARS=0+|GRAC=All|GSRR=6+|FPB=PG|GCAM=3|NMC=3|SMECCV=A}}

|platforms   = [[Nintendo Switch]]

|media       = Nintendo Switch Game Card <br> [[Nintendo eShop]] digital download

|requirements = 10.2 GB<ref name = "eShop description"/> <small>(digital download only)</small>

|input       = Joy-Con <br> Nintendo Switch Pro Controller <br> USB keyboard <small>(typing only)</small>

|strategywiki = Animal Crossing: New Horizons

'''''Animal Crossing: New Horizons'''''{{Note|{{Nihongo foot|あつまれ どうぶつの森|Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori|Animal Forest: Gather}}}} is a simulation game for the [[Nintendo Switch]] released on March 20, 2020. It is the fifth main installment in the {{SER}} outside of Japan.

{{NH|nolink}} is a critical and commercial success, having received positive reviews from critics and selling over 44 million copies as of December 2023, making it the best-selling game in the {{SER|nolink}} and the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game behind ''[[mariowiki:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''.

==Development==

{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Staff|label1=List of Animal Crossing: New Horizons staff|Prerelease and unused content in New Horizons}}

[[File:Animal Crossing New Horizons CEDEC 2020 Pre-Release Content 4.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Early development build of {{NH|short|nolink}}.]]

Early development of {{NH|nolink}} began shortly after the Japanese release of {{NL|short}}, prior to the development of the [[Nintendo Switch]]. <ref name = "philosophy">{{cite web|author=Elise Favis|date=March 23rd, 2020|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|site=Washington Post}}</ref> [[Aya Kyogoku]] reprised her role of director following {{NL|short}}, with [[Hisashi Nogami]] serving as producer.

Kyogoku stated that the developers chose to be ambitious, even despite not knowing anything about the hardware that the game would be released on. <ref name = "philosophy"/> Full development on {{NH|short|nolink}} likely began towards the end of 2016, following the release of the {{NLWa|short}} update and unveiling of the [[Nintendo Switch]].

[[File:NH Reveal Teaser Artwork.png|250px|thumb|right|The announcement of then-untitled {{NH|short|nolink}}.]]

{{NH|nolink}} was officially announced during a Nintendo Direct on September 13th 2018, in tandem with the announcement of [[Isabelle]]'s appearance in {{SSBU}} as a new playable character. The game, at this point still untitled, was originally slated to be released within 2019. <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 13, 2018|url=https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/09-13-2018/|title=Nintendo Direct 9.13.2018}}</ref>  

During Nintendo's E3 2019 Direct, on June 11th, 2019, the first official gameplay trailer for {{NH|short|nolink}} was unveiled. The game's title was formally announced, and it was also revealed that the game would be released on March 20th, 2020, seeing a delay from its original planned 2019 release date. Nintendo shared that this was "to ensure the game is the best it can be," and President of Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser, stated that a delay was necessary to maintain a healthy "work-life balance" for Nintendo's employees. <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=June 11th, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9eAtwcYlo|title=Nintendo Direct for E3 2019|site=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Tina Amini|date=June 21th, 2019|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/11/nintendo-comments-on-crunch-and-game-delays-a-e3-2019|title=Nintendo Says It Will Not Release a Game Before It's Ready – E3 2019|site=IGN}}</ref>

{{NH|short|nolink}} was featured in a Nintendo Direct on September 4th, 2019, showcasing new gameplay footage and features in an extended highlight. <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 4th, 2019|url=https://youtu.be/sRWjpjNVOCM|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019 - Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube}}</ref> An Animal Crossing Direct took place on February 20th, 2020, <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=February 21st, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie4WZCLbtVs|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct 2.20.2020|site=YouTube}}</ref> showcasing multiple new features of the game, such as terrain editing, additional house customization, and more.

{{NH|nolink}} was globally released on March 20th, 2020, being the first title in the series to launch simultaneously worldwide on the same date. On October 7th, 2022, Nintendo Brasil announced that {{NH|short|nolink}}, along with various other first-party Nintendo games, would receive a physical release in Brazil, where games had previously only been released digitally, by the end of 2022. <ref>{{Cite Twitter|author=NintendoBrasil|date=October 7, 2022|url=https://twitter.com/NintendoBrasil/status/1578461555057778688|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022195720/https://twitter.com/NintendoBrasil/status/1578461555057778688|archive-date=October 22, 2022|title=Versões físicas de títulos selecionados do console Nintendo Switch estarão disponíveis no Brasil até o fim do ano!|retrieved=October 7, 2022|language=Portuguese}}</ref>

==Gameplay==

===Premise===

[[File:NH Tom Nook Smartphone.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Tom Nook asking the player if they have ever used a [[NookPhone|smartphone]].]]

[[Tom Nook]] has a new business venture: selling the [[Nook Inc.]] Deserted Island Getaway Package, which is sold to the [[player]]. The game begins on a nearly deserted island where the player can explore, collect resources, and craft various items (including tools and furniture). The only starting buildings on the island are the player's tent, two villager tents (after the [[player]] places them), and the [[Resident Services]] tent. The [[Plaza]] in front of Resident Services will feature events and visitors. These visitors will have items and services to offer to the [[player]].

Donating 5 unique fish and insects to [[Tom Nook]] will unlock the ability to place [[Blathers]]' tent. Once Blathers' tent is unlocked, he will give the player a [[Vaulting Pole]] to find more creatures and a [[shovel]] to excavate [[Fossils]]. Donating 15 more unique creatures and appraised fossils to Blathers will unlock the ability to place his museum, at which the player can donate and assess multiple things at a time. To unlock more tools, the [[player]] will need to pay off their tent, help [[Tom Nook]] build [[Nook's Cranny]], build one bridge, and start three additional housing plots for animal villagers.

[[File:NH Isabelle Joins The Island.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Isabelle joins the island as Nook's assistant.]]

Once the Resident Services tent is upgraded into a building, Isabelle returns as Nook's assistant and the player is tasked with improving the island's popularity to draw the attention of [[K.K. Slider]]. Nook instructs the player to pick a location for a [[Campsite (facility)|campsite]], then to furnish additional housing plots and increase the island's population, and finally to develop the island to a three-star rating. The player earns the [[Island Designer Construction Permit|Island Designer]] app once they obtain a three-star rating, allowing [[K.K. Slider]] to perform "[[Welcome Horizons]]" on their island. After acquiring the proper terraforming tools with Nook Miles, the app allows players to pave roads (instead of having to place [[Design|patterns]] on the ground), as well as modify or add [[river]]s and cliffs.

In addition to earning Bells, the player can also earn [[Nook Miles]], which is a new form of currency that can be exchanged for furniture, Nook-branded apparel, plane tickets to mystery islands, upgrades, and recipes. As in {{HHD}}, the game features the ability to place furniture outside. A new [[vaulting pole]] tool can be created, giving the ability to vault over rivers, as well as a [[ladder]], allowing the player to climb up [[cliff]]s.

The first playable character of the island is named the [[Resident Representative]], which occupies a similar role to the [[mayor]] in {{NL}}; this player controls the pace of the storyline, and is the only player that can initiate placement of villager housing plots and infrastructure such as stores, bridges, and inclines (though all players will have access to the Island Designer app once K.K. performs). Additionally, there is a maximum of 10 animal villagers on the island.

[[File:NH_Press_Player_Chopping_Tree.png|thumb|250px|left|The player chopping a tree to collect wood.]]

Resources can be collected through various methods, such as chopping at trees with an axe for several types of wood (including wood, softwood, and hardwood), or hitting rocks with a shovel for clay, stone, and [[ore]]s. Several different types of [[weed]]s appear, which can also be used as materials once plucked.

With these mechanics, the player is able to build and develop the island over time. Players are also able to dig up clams in the sand, which can then be used as a crafting materials to make [[Item:Fish bait (New Horizons)|fishing bait]]. Additionally, trees and flowers can be picked up with a shovel to be stored in the [[pocket]]; flowers can also be used as crafting material, and picking them will also leave the stems in the ground.

The player is able to fully customize their character at the beginning of, and during, the game without restrictions, a first for the Animal Crossing main-series. This feature was also present in {{HHD}} and {{PC|short}}. Customization includes skin tones, gender-neutral hairstyles, and nose shapes. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/12/18662401/animal-crossing-new-horizons-e3-2019-character-customization-skin-tone-nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons will have skin tone customization, gender-neutral hairstyles for Villagers|site=Polygon|date=June 12, 2019|author=Chelsea Stark}}</ref> The player characters' overall design is slightly more detailed than in previous titles, featuring a more subdued color scheme and clear hair physics and shaders. The players also appear more expressive, showing a thoughtful expression when selecting items in their pocket, and moving their eyes around to look at nearby villagers and bugs.

The player also possesses a new item called the [[NookPhone]], which features multiple different applications that the player can use such as [[Nook Miles]], [[Rescue Service]], Local Play, and more.

===Multiplayer===

[[File:NH Press Sep 2019 Multiplayer.png|thumb|250px|right|{{NH|short|nolink}} sees the introduction of local co-op multiplayer.]]

Up to eight players can live on a single island, but only one island can be made per Nintendo Switch. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/12/nintendo-confirms-new-details-about-multiplayer-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons-e3-2019|title=Nintendo Confirms New Details About Multiplayer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons|site=IGN|author=Miranda Sanchez|date=June 11, 2019}}</ref> For the first time in the series, four players can play at the same time on a single system, and up to eight can play together through online multiplayer or local wireless.<ref>Animal Crossing: New Horizons E3 2019 Factsheet</ref> Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

In local multiplayer, the screen boundaries will follow player 1; however, they may transfer their "leadership" to another player at any time. The lead player is the only player able to see notifications after catching bugs or fish. In online play, all players have equal abilities, as in previous games. This also marks the first game where a player's friend cannot modify the island with their shovel or axe unless they are marked as a best friend.

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

:''Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online or with others beside you, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you'll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.''<ref name = "eShop description"/>

Game director [[Aya Kyogoku]] explained that the development team intended for the game to be welcoming for veteran players and accessible for new players, by keeping much of the core gameplay from previous titles, while still adding in many new elements. <ref name = "philosophy"/> Kyogoku noted that some players of previous entries would have difficulty finding goals or objectives. As a response to this feedback, a sense of purpose was purposely developed by having players develop the village from scratch.

[[File:NH Press Sep 2019 Crafting.png|thumb|250px|left|{{NH|short|nolink}} sees the addition of crafting to the main-series.]]

The developers felt that as players constructed their village from the ground up, they would grow a more personal relationship with their town. <ref name = "crazy">{{Cite web|author=Scott Stein|date=March 21st, 2020|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|site=CNET}}</ref> The theme of developing a town on a deserted island was chosen because the developers believed that breaking away from the tradition of players moving into a village would be a fresh and interesting concept for old players. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

As a result of choosing a deserted island theme, [[DIY|crafting]] was added into the game. This was done so that players would have a higher level of interactivity with the deserted island. This would give players a different perspective of the environment that used to be just a visual aspect.<ref name = "crazy"/> Crafting was also developed with the intention of keeping players from running out of things to do during the hours that their shops are closed. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

Another of these new features, terraforming, was added in response to unexpected behavior from players in previous games such as resetting towns in order to receive a desirable town layout. With the introduction of crafting and terraforming, players are able to be more in control of their island. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

[[File:NH_Group_Photo.jpg|thumb|250px|right|{{NH|short|nolink}} focuses on player freedom and expression.]]

This flexibility in design extends further onto player design. Unlike previous games which involved players having to answer a series of questions to determine their appearance, players are now able to freely change their appearance whenever they would like to through the use of mirrors or vanities. In addition to this, several new hair and facial features were added that were not present in previous entries.

A gender option, referred to as "style" in English versions, is still present, but does not impact the player's appearance or the game in any way other than certain dialogue differences. Kyogoku stated in an interview that this level of player customization is not just about gender, but rather more about individuality, which the development team believed was a growing belief within society. Players are not forced into thinking too much about gender, but the option is still there should they decide to.<ref name = "philosophy"/>

The addition of the [[NookPhone]] was inspired by the belief that phones are essential tools in everyday life. Kyogoku has stated that the NookPhone serves as a source of familiarity between the real world and the game. <ref name = "crazy"/>

 

In another shift from serious tradition, the effects of [[time travel]]ing were made less impactful. This is in part due to the fact that seasonal events and holidays were not coded into the game from launch and were instead added through future updates. Kyogoku noted that this method of adding events was intended to create unity amongst players. Time traveling was discouraged by Kyogoku and Nogami, though they did not consider it to be a form of cheating. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

 

 

{{NH|nolink}} supports more languages than previous entries in the series, being the first main series game to support the Chinese language since {{iQue}} in 2006, <ref>{{Cite web|author=Iggy|date=September 14, 2018|url=https://nintendosoup.com/luigis-mansion-3-animal-crossing-and-new-super-mario-bros-u-deluxe-playable-in-chinese|title=Luigi's Mansion 3, Animal Crossing, And New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Playable In Chinese|site=NintendoSoup}}</ref> {{NH|short|nolink}} is also the first main series title since {{CF}} to have two separate localizations for Spanish and French; one for Europe and another for the Americas, although it has been erroneously reported to be the first title to do so in the case of Spanish. <ref>{{Cite web|author=hadamsj|date=April 29, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqUicmDQKuA|title=Animal Crossing: City Folk - Comparing Spanish localizations (LATAM & EU)|site=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Juan Emilio Reyes|date=December 4, 2019|url=https://www.3djuegos.com/mx/noticias-amp/199649/animal-crossing-new-horizons-vendr-localizado-al-espaol|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons vendrá localizado al español latinoamericano|site=3DJuegos|language=Spanish}}</ref> It is the first title to include all localizations collectively regardless of regional release, and the first main series title to include Dutch and Russian languages.

{{NH|nolink}} base game introduces six new [[special characters]], including:

C.J. NH.png| '''[[C.J.]]'''<br>[[Fishing Tourney]] host<br>Buying [[fish]]<br>Fish [[models]]

Daisy Mae NH.png| '''[[Daisy Mae]]'''<br>Selling [[turnip]]s

Flick NH.png| '''[[Flick]]'''<br>[[Bug-Off]] host<br>Buying [[bug]]s<br>Bug [[models]]

Gullivarrr NH.png| '''[[Gullivarrr]]'''<br>[[Pirate Series]]<br><small>(added in {{NHVer|1.3.0}})</small>

Wilbur NH.png| '''[[Wilbur]]'''<br>Pilot

{{Main|Villager/New Horizons}}

There are a total of 391 villagers in {{NH|short|nolink}} base game, which is 8 less than {{NL}} (including {{NLWa|short}}). 8 new villagers have been added, and 18 has been removed. {{NHVer|1.9.0|full}} re-introduces 6 [[Sanrio]] villagers. {{NHVer|2.0|full}} added 8 new villagers, and 8 have returned after being absent in {{WW|short}}, {{CF|short}}, and {{NL|short}}. With updates, it brings the total of 413 villagers.

====New villagers====

<gallery mode="" widths=80px>

Audie NH.png| '''[[Audie]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[wolf]]

Cyd NH.png| '''[[Cyd]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[elephant]]

Dom NH.png| '''[[Dom]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[sheep]]

Judy NH.png| '''[[Judy]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[bear cub]]

Megan NH.png| '''[[Megan]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[bear]]

Raymond NH.png| '''[[Raymond]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[cat]]

Reneigh NH.png| '''[[Reneigh]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[horse]]

Sasha amiibo.png| '''[[Sasha]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[rabbit]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|2.0}})</small>

 

Eight villagers from {{DnM}}, {{DnM+}}, {{PG}}, and the Japan-exclusive {{DnMe+}} and six from {{NLWa|short}} return in game updates. Four villagers (marked {{E+ icon}} below) initially only appeared in {{DnMe+|nolink}} and receive localized names for the first time. Two of the returning villagers have their personalities changed.

Rilla NH Model.png| [[File:Sanrio Logo.svg|50px|link=Sanrio]]<br>'''[[Rilla]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[gorilla]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|1.9.0}})</small>

Marty NH Model.png| [[File:Sanrio Logo.svg|50px|link=Sanrio]]<br>'''[[Marty]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[bear cub]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|1.9.0}})</small>

Étoile NH Model.png| [[File:Sanrio Logo.svg|50px|link=Sanrio]]<br>'''[[Étoile]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[sheep]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|1.9.0}})</small>

Chai NH Model.png| [[File:Sanrio Logo.svg|50px|link=Sanrio]]<br>'''[[Chai]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[elephant]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|1.9.0}})</small>

Chelsea NH Model.png| [[File:Sanrio Logo.svg|50px|link=Sanrio]]<br>'''[[Chelsea]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[deer]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|1.9.0}})</small>

Toby NH Model.png | [[File:Sanrio Logo.svg|50px|link=Sanrio]]<br>'''[[Toby]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[rabbit]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|1.9.0}})</small>

Roswell amiibo.png| '''[[Roswell]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Smug]] [[alligator]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|2.0}})</small><br><small>(formerly [[lazy]])</small>

Zoe amiibo.png| '''[[Zoe]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[anteater]]<br><small>(version {{NHVer|2.0}})</small>

{{NH|nolink}} supports connectivity with the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, where players can type out messages, use voice chat, view island statistics, and import custom designs from QR codes created by {{NL}} or {{HHD}}. Updates to NookLink were implemented, granting the user additional activities, such as viewing their [[catalog]], reading a newspaper service that tracks their day-to-day activity, using reactions, and redeeming {{Currency|Nook Points}} for items.

 

Series 5 of ''Animal Crossing'' [[amiibo]] cards, containing 48 cards, was released alongside the {{NHVer|2.0}} Free Update.

{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width=100% style="background:#ffc644; {{roundy|15px}};"

| style="background:#fff; padding:3px;"| [[File:401 Tom Nook amiibo card NA.png|75px]]

| style="background:#fff"| '''[[Tom Nook|{{Colorshow|444|Tom Nook}}]]'''

| style="background:#fff;"| {{Species Icon|species=special|link=Special character}}

| style="background:#fff; padding:3px;"| [[File:402 Timmy and Tommy amiibo card NA.png|75px]]

|-

| style="background:#fff;"| {{Species Icon|species=special|link=Special character}}

| data-sort-value="1220" style="background:#fff"| [[October]] {{Date|2}}

|-

| style="background:#fff"| '''[[Wilbur|{{Colorshow|444|Wilbur}}]]'''

| style="background:#fff;"| {{Species Icon|species=special|link=Special character}}

| style="background:#fff; padding:3px;"| [[File:406 Blathers amiibo card NA.png|75px]]

{| class="styled color-series" style="float: right; text-align: center;" |

|{{wp|Famitsu|Famitsu}}

|38/40<ref>{{Cite web|author=Damien McFerran|date=March 10, 2020|url=https://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|site=Nintendo Life}}</ref>

|9/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons/|author=Kallie Plagge|date=April 9, 2020|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review - Island Getaway|site=GameSpot}}</ref>

|{{wp|IGN|IGN}}

|9/10<ref>{{Cite web|author=Samuel Claiborn|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-for-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review|site=IGN}}</ref>

|{{wp|Metacritic|Metacritic}}{{note|at an average of 111 reviews}}

|90%<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/animal-crossing-new-horizons|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch Reviews|site=Metacritic}}</ref>

|{{wp|Forbes|Forbes}}:

|10/10<ref>{{Cite web|author=Dave Thier|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/games/2020/03/16/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review-the-game-we-all-need-right-now/?sh=4644e77339c0|title='Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Review: The Game We All Need, Right Now|site=Forbes|retrieved=November 18, 2020}}</ref>

|{{wp|The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph}}

|100%{{Citation Needed}}

|{{wp|Nintendo Life|Nintendo Life}}

|10/10<ref>{{Cite web|author=Alex Olney|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/animal_crossing_new_horizons|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review|site=Nintendo Life|retrieved=September 28, 2020}}</ref>

|{{wp|Pocket Gamer|Pocket Gamer}}

|5/5<ref>{{Cite web|author=Dann Sullivan|date=March 16, 2020|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"|site=Pocket Gamer|retrieved=November 18, 2020}}</ref>

Some outlets have attributed some of the success of {{NH|nolink}} to the stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements caused as a result of the [[wikipedia:COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 pandemic]], stating that the game has become a "phenomenon" due to its open-ended and social nature, and citing it as a form of escapism.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Imad Khan|date=April 7, 2020|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/arts/animal-crossing-covid-coronavirus-popularity-millennials.html|title=Why Animal Crossing Is the Game for the Coronavirus Moment|site=The New York Times|retrieved=September 28, 2020}}</ref> Ani Bundel of NBC News stated, "In this time of social distancing, it turns out that a trip to a calming island where all you have to do is build houses and plant trees is the perfect escape," and that the game "couldn't have been timed more perfectly," releasing as shelter-in-place orders began to take place in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Ani Bundel|date=March 29, 2020|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|site=NBC News|retrieved=September 28, 2020}}</ref>

In the first six weeks after the game's release, {{NH|short|nolink}} sold over 13.41 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200507_3e.pdf|title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2020: Financial Results Explanatory Material|site=Nintendo}}</ref> As of December 31, 2023, the game has sold 44.79 million units worldwide, becoming the second-best selling Nintendo Switch title, only behind ''[[mariowiki:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' which has sold 60.58 million units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|site=Nintendo}}</ref>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{{Changelog

|version = 1.2.0

|date = April 23rd, 2020

|changelog=

:[[File:Leif NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.2.0]][[File:Redd NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.2.0]] '''[[Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.2.0|April Free Update]]''' (1.2.0)<br>  

:The second free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on April 23rd, 2020. This update added [[Leif]], [[Redd]], [[Rover]], [[Cyrus]], and [[Reese]] to the game, as well as an [[art]] gallery expansion for the [[museum]] and four new events: [[Nature Day]], [[May Day]], [[International Museum Day]], and [[Wedding Season]].

}}

|date = July 3rd, 2020

:The third free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 3rd, 2020 as a first wave. This update added swimming, [[diving]], and [[sea creature]]s to the game, along with [[Pascal]] and [[Gulliver#Gullivarrr|Gullivarrr]].

 

:The fourth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 30th, 2020 as a second wave. This update added [[Fireworks Show]]s, the ability to visit [[dream]] islands, and the Island Backup Restoration Service, which allows players to restore save data from the cloud if their Nintendo Switch is lost or damaged.

 

|date = September 30th, 2020

:The fifth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on September 30, 2020. This update added the [[Halloween]] event along with [[Jack]], [[Candy]], Pumpkin plants for DIY recipes, four new skin colors, six new eye colors and two new [[Reactions]] (named Haunt and Scare). [[NookLink]] was also updated on October 6, 2020. It now allows the player interact use [[Reactions]] from their smartphone.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 25, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmgN42ewTtE|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fall Update – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=September 25, 2020}}</ref>

 

:The sixth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on November 19th, 2020. This update added [[Franklin]] and [[Jingle]] along with the events they host, [[Turkey Day]] and [[Toy Day]], respectively. It also adds six new hairstyles and nine new reactions, the option to upgrade the player's storage from 1,600 to 2,400 items, and support for transferring players between islands and [[Animal Crossing: New Horizons Island Transfer Tool|islands between consoles]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=YouTube|date=November 17, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQuucamIYjQ&ab_channel=Nintendo|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Winter Update – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=November 17, 2020}}</ref>

 

 

:The eighth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on February 25th, 2021. It features ''Super Mario''-themed items available from [[Nook Shopping]], as well as three Nook Shopping seasonal events.<ref>{{Cite Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/animalcrossing/status/1362167046151278593|author=animalcrossing|date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826012950/https://twitter.com/animalcrossing/status/1362167046151278593|archive-date=August 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/bbbdba53-3902-4090-93fa-49af995fe127|site=topics.nintendo.co.jp|date=November 18, 2021|title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』3月からスーパーマリオブラザーズの家具が登場。無料アップデートを2月25日に配信。|author=Nintendo}}</ref>

 

|date = March 18th, 2021

:[[File:Chai NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0]][[File:Chelsea NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0]][[File:Étoile NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0]][[File:Marty NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0]][[File:Rilla NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0]][[File:Toby NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0]] '''[[Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0|Free Update]]''' (1.9.0)<br>

:The ninth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on March 18th, 2021. It features the return of Sanrio-themed items and villagers.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpJo9Zleqrk|title=Get Ready for a Sanrio Crossover! – Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=February 25, 2021}}</ref>

 

:[[File:Rover NH Character Icon.png|20x20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.10.0]] '''[[Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.10.0|Free Update]]''' (1.10.0)<br>

:The tenth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on April 28th, 2021. It features the return of previously available events from 2020, as well as the addition of new [[Nook Shopping seasonal event]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=April 26, 2021|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/4aca50db-b0bd-4552-827e-9eadda7ce4e9|title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』の島で初夏にかけて開催される季節のイベントをご紹介。無料アップデートは4月28日に配信。|site=topics.nintendo.co.jp|retrieved=April 26, 2021}}</ref>

 

:The eleventh free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 29th, 2021. It features new [[Nook Shopping seasonal event]]s and new items from the [[Fireworks Show]] and [[Halloween]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=July 27, 2021|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/9d2dad1c-bad3-473b-b593-7d1d06dfb9c9|title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』の島で開催される季節イベントをご紹介。無料アップデートは7月29日。2021年内に更なるアップデート計画も進行中。|site=topics.nintendo.co.jp|retrieved=July 27, 2021}}</ref>

 

 

 

 

{{YouTube|kEJXS0MiKOA|250|left|Teaser from Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2018|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|_3YNL0OWio0|250|left|E3 Nintendo Direct 2019|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|sRWjpjNVOCM|250|left|Nintendo Direct (September 05, 2019)|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|Ie4WZCLbtVs|250|left|Nintendo Direct (February 20, 2020)|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|hO21KLsk-Uk|250|left|Bunny Day Event presentation (Nintendo Direct Mini, March 2020)|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|KpZyexo-ziA|250|left|{{NHVer|1.2.0|full}} trailer|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|jO0luDEHesc|250|left|{{NHVer|1.3.0|full}} trailer|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|InDJvcWtTCw|250|left|{{NHVer|1.4.0|full}} trailer|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|SDyY_N0eloQ|250|left|{{NHVer|1.8.0|full}} trailer (Nintendo Direct February 2021)| height=230px}}

{{YouTube|jpJo9Zleqrk|250|left|Sanrio Crossover| height=230px}}

{{Youtube|9C5Lu4Ripco|250|left|Animal Crossing Direct Teaser (Nintendo Direct September 2021)| height=230px}}

{{Youtube|aZ3QC8e1_yg|250|left|{{NHVer|2.0|full}} presentation (Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct October 2021)| height=230px}}

{{YouTube|dEh3MPy4GAU|250|left|E3 Nintendo Treehouse gameplay featuring [[Aya Kyogoku]] and [[Hisashi Nogami]]|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|nCwVTCxm29c|250|left|Deserted Island Getaway Package Primer|height=230px|width=264px|file=NH Deserted Island Getaway Package Primer Commercial.mp4}}

{{YouTube|N4fltJMp1f4|250|left|Nintendo Switch My Way commercial|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|3ZsfTper4KY|250|left|Your Island Escape, Your Way|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|a-wRUU8ph7A|250|left|Island Life Awaits!|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|k3X3HYmFRGo|250|left|Island Decorating|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|Y0LJXw6Fahs|250|left|Your style, your way!|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|SCM65ToRgek|250|left|Create your own paradise!|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|5LAKjL3p6Gw|250|left|Your island, your life!|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|CTWXp_-i0eU|250|left|So many new friends!|height=230px}}

{{YouTube|LMhOTPe3Aqk|250|left|Accolades|height=230px}}

*Likely to tie into {{NH|nolink}}'s de-emphasis of gender, villagers with "gendered" catchphrases had their catchphrases changed in this game to use more gender-neutral language. [[Cole]], [[Cube]] and [[Stu]], who all formerly included "dude" in their catchphrases, now say "cooooool," "brainfreeze," and "mrooooo," respectively. [[Shep]], who formerly said "baaa man" as his catchphrase, now says "baa baa baa." [[Fuchsia]], whose catchphrase was formerly "girlfriend," now says "precious." These changes were later incorporated into {{PC}} as of version 3.4.0.

|ja-r= Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori

{{Other Wikis

*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch/Animal-Crossing-New-Horizons-1438623.html European game page]

 

{{Navbox Animal Crossing series}}