Difference between revisions of "Animal Crossing: New Leaf"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Animal Crossing: New Leaf''}}
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{{Infobox Video Game
{{Infobox VGinfo
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|title       = [[File:NL Logo English.png|200px|English logo]]
|title= [[File:Animal Crossing New Leaf logo.png|200px]]
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|image       = [[File:NL Box NA.jpg|250px|North American game cover]]
|image= [[File:New Leaf Boxart for North America.jpg|200px]]
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|caption      = North American game cover
|developer= [[wikipedia:Nintendo EAD|Nintendo EAD]]
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|theme        = [[File:NL Title.flac]]
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
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|developer    = {{Wp|Nintendo EAD}}
|distributor =
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|publisher   = [[Nintendo]]
|designer=  
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|director    = [[Isao Moro]]<br>[[Aya Kyogoku]]
|series= ''[[Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]''
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|series       = ''[[Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]''
|engine =
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|released     = {{Flag|JPN}} November 8, 2012<ref name="JPN release date">{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831182111/https://www.nintendo-master.com/xtnews/news-31632_animal_crossing__jump_out_date_au_japon.htm|title=Animal Crossing : Jump Out daté au Japon|archive-date=August 31, 2012|date=August 28, 2012|author=sebdu60|site=Nintendo Master|language=French}}</ref><br>{{Flag|KOR}} February 7, 2013<ref name="KOR release date">https://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=69&press_div=P</ref><br>{{Flag|USA}} June 9, 2013<ref name="USA release date">https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/02-14-2013/</ref><br>{{Flag|EUR}} June 14, 2013<br>{{Flag|AUS}} June 15, 2013
|picture_format=
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|genre       = Simulation
|released = {{JP}} November 8th, 2012<ref>http://www.nintendo-master.com/xtnews/news-31632_animal_crossing__jump_out_date_au_japon.htm</ref><br>{{SK}} February 7, 2013<ref>http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=69&press_div=P</ref><br>{{NA}} June 9, 2013<ref>http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/02-14-2013/</ref><br>{{EU}} June 14, 2013<br />{{AUS}} June 15, 2013
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|languages    = {{Flag|USA}} <small>English, French, Spanish</small><br>{{Flag|JPN}} <small>Japanese</small><br>{{Flag|EUR}} {{Flag|AUS}} <small>English, French, Italian, German, Spanish</small><br>{{Flag|KOR}} <small>Korean</small>
|genre = Life simulation,<br>Social simulation
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|modes        = Single-player<br>Multiplayer <small>(1–4 player local wireless/online)</small>
|modes =
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|ratings      = {{Rating|ACB=G|CERO=A|ESRB=E|GRAC=All|PEGI=3|RARS=0+|USK=0}}
|ratings = {{Rating|ESRB=E<ref>http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/7s_LzOZI18nIHym0yObW_vYCzfwsRssn</ref>|PEGI=3<ref>http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-3DS/Animal-Crossing-New-Leaf-273841.html</ref>|CERO=A}}
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|platforms   = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
|platforms = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
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|media       = Nintendo 3DS Game Card<br>Nintendo eShop digital download
|media= 3DS Game Card and eShop download
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|requirements = 6,002 Blocks <small>(digital download only)</small>
|requirements=  
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|strategywiki = Animal Crossing: New Leaf
|input= Nintendo 3DS circle pad, D-Pad, and Touch Screen
 
 
}}
 
}}
{{Nihongo|'''''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'''''|とびだせどうぶつの森|Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori|Animal Forest: Jump Out}} is the sixth installment in the {{SER}}, being developed by [[Nintendo]] and has been released exclusively for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. Prior to the release date, players could pre-order New Leaf from {{wp|GAME}} and get a free Isabelle and Town Hall figurine.
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'''''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'''''{{Note|name=Japanese|{{Nihongo foot|とびだせどうぶつの森|Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori|Animal Forest: Jump Out}}}} is a simulation game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] released on November 8, 2012. It is the fourth main installment in the {{SER}} released outside of Japan.
  
While retaining much of the gameplay from older titles, ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' marks a large change in the series, as the [[player]] now becomes the [[mayor]] of the town. With the help of the townsfolk and "[[Isabelle|one eager secretary]]" it is now the player's job to make the town a better place to live. Due to this new role, the game's name is most likely derived from the metaphor "turning over a new leaf", meaning to change a person's job/life, since the player is suddenly assigned the new role of mayor. Coincidentally, the player taking over as mayor was referenced in previous games where, on [[April Fool's Day]], Tortimer would prank the player by saying he is soon going to retire and let the player serve as mayor. These jokes may have played a major role in deciding to finally make this a reality in ''New Leaf''.
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An open-ended game, {{NL|short|nolink}} follows a player-controlled human living in a town populated with animals and performing various tasks, such as interacting with characters and collecting items. As is with all games in the {{SER}}, the game is synced to the system clock, which affects gameplay based on the current time and day. {{NL|short|nolink}} sees the introduction of the player undertaking the role as [[mayor]] of the town, allowing for added freedom and customisation.
  
''New Leaf'' also has a change of art style, with the players and the [[villager]]s having more human-like proportions, rather than the shorter ones seen in previous games, as well as the [[tree]]s, [[flower]]s, and [[house]]s taking on a more realistic appearance.  
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In November 2016, {{NL|short|nolink}} received a free expansion titled {{NLWa}}. It was first released on November 2, 2016. The update included new gameplay features and the inclusion of [[amiibo]] support.
  
 
==Development and unveiling==
 
==Development and unveiling==
[[File:Animal-Crossing-Map.jpg|thumb|280px|right|Concept art for the Animal Crossing: New Leaf town, telling what is on the map.]]
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{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Staff|label1=List of Animal Crossing: New Leaf staff}}
[[File:Tom Nook 3DS.png|thumb|176px|left|An example of the artwork used for the game.]]
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[[File:AC3DS 1.png|thumb|left|250px|Early footage of {{NL|short|nolink}} revealed at E3 2010.]]
The game was originally unveiled at E3 2010, though very little was shown. A trailer was shown that gave information on updated features and revealed very few new features. Shortly after, there was news that the player could be the mayor of the town,<ref name="mayor">[http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=23365 Nintendo World Report - Animal Crossing: New Leaf]</ref> with the goal being to make the town a better place to live.<ref name="better place">[http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=17921 Official Nintendo Magazine - E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS announced]</ref> A non-playable demo was also available on the show floor at Nintendo's booth as an example of the 3DS's 3D effects. Due to it not being given much detail, fans speculated that it might have not been an actual game, but just an example and that another ''Animal Crossing'' game would be developed later.
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{{NL|nolink}} was first unveiled during E3 2010, on June 15th, 2010.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/15/e3-2010-animal-crossing-3ds-announced E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS Announced]</ref> During Nintendo's E3 2010 conference, a [https://youtu.be/ujToXzIzFHg non-playable demo] showcased footage of the game, and it was announced that the player would undertake the role as mayor of the town,<ref>[https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=23365 Nintendo World Report - Animal Crossing: New Leaf]</ref> with the goal of making it a better place to live.<ref>[http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=17921 Official Nintendo Magazine - E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS announced]</ref> At this time, the game was then untitled, given a working title of just ''Animal Crossing''. Additional gameplay footage was released on September 29, 2010 at the Nintendo 3DS Conference.<ref>[https://youtu.be/yMTyrHcMYlw Animal Crossing 3DS - Nintendo Conference 2010]</ref>
  
At E3 2011, the rumors were proven false. During Nintendo's press conference, the ''Animal Crossing'' logo, among others, appeared on-screen as a list of upcoming 3DS games. Additionally, a new trailer was released. The trailer showed off a new feature in the game: swimming and diving in the [[ocean]]. Also, a player was shown changing not only his [[shirt]], but also his shoes and pants. A player was also shown coming out of what appeared to be his tent-house. Throughout the town, [[bench]]es and a beehive were shown, with a villager and later a player sitting on the bench. A new character was also shown, a yellow [[dog]] following the player. Fans quickly assumed she was the 'eager secretary' that helps the player mayor the town.<ref>http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=129887</ref>
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Early work and planning for the English localization of {{NL|short|nolink}} began in late 2010, according to [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Reiko_Ninomiya Reiko Ninomiya] of Nintendo Treehouse. Ninomiya explained, "We worked with the development team and brainstormed ideas for events and items, and even how some of the old characters and events could be twisted and changed and have them evolve as well." <ref name = "reiko">[https://youtu.be/pgg62DMyzyA Inside the Treehouse with Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Localizing Animal Crossing (Ep 1)]</ref> New gameplay footage was revealed at the Nintendo World Expo in January 2011.<ref>[https://youtu.be/RMsoBoJRwYE Animal Crossing 3DS - New Footage 19/1/2011]</ref>  
  
In an interview with Kotaku editor Stephen Totilo, the creator of ''Animal Crossing'', [[Katsuya Eguchi]], revealed that ''Animal Crossing 3DS'' will allow players to arrange their furniture in any way they like, and will also feature new networking experiences.<ref>http://kotaku.com/5812741/a-tiny-bit-of-news-about-the-next-animal-crossing</ref>
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On June 7, 2011, {{NL|short|nolink}} received its first full-length gameplay trailer as part of E3 2011.<ref>[https://youtu.be/tgIy5YZKp-8 Nintendo 3DS - Animal Crossing E3 Trailer]</ref> An additional trailer was released as part of the Nintendo 3DS Conference in September 2011.<ref>[https://youtu.be/mYOyLzmp62E Animal Crossing 3DS Trailer (September 13, 2011)]</ref> A developer roundtable hosted in September 2011 revealed additional information about the game, such as expanded clothing and customisation options, and formally introduced [[Isabelle]] as the mayor's assistant.<ref>[https://youtu.be/b-HIlN9bnj0 Animal Crossing (3DS) - Developer Roundtable]</ref>
  
The game's title, ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'', was confirmed at the Nintendo World Report on April 21, 2012.
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Full localization of {{NL|short|nolink}} began in March 2012, according to Reiko Ninomiya; "The actual translation we started in, I'd like to put the pin right around March 2012. So we did English, French, and Spanish for our region and we got to work really closely together with Nintendo of Europe as well." <ref name = "reiko"></ref>
  
Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' is still in development on Monday June 11, 2012 for 3DS.
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During a Nintendo Direct hosted on April 21, 2012, the game's Japanese title was announced {{Note|name=Japanese}} and the game was given a release window of Fall 2012. A Japanese exclusive Animal Crossing Direct premiered on October 5, 2012, showcasing more of the game's new features.<ref>[https://youtu.be/WxxZLdJOQs8 Animal Crossing Direct (Nintendo 3DS)]</ref> On October 25, 2012, a Nintendo Direct announced the game's localized subtitle as {{NL|nolink}} and was set to launch overseas in early 2013.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4QFbibEnX8 Nintendo Direct 10.25.12]</ref> The definitive release dates of the game for North America, Europe, and Australia, were announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 14, 2013.<ref>[https://youtu.be/cntz1GyM1Bs Nintendo Direct 2.14.2013]</ref>
  
In the June direct conference it was confirmed that 4 people can live in the same village like the last 3 games.
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==Gameplay==
On another note, in ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'', they will reintroduce the [[train]] and [[Porter]].
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Like previous ''Animal Crossing'' games before it, {{NL|short|nolink}} is an open-ended simulation game where the player takes the role of a human moving into a town of animals. Tasks the player can partake in include socializing with villagers, collecting items, catching fish and bugs, and paying off their [[home loan]]. The game takes place in real-time, meaning the in-game time of day and year matches that of the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. The time of day and year affects aspects of gameplay such as whether or not shops are open or villagers are awake, seasonal events, and the availability of certain fish, bugs, and items. Up to four players can live in a town, with each one having their own house.
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===Premise===
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[[File:NL Rover Name.png|thumb|210px|left|Rover talking to the player during the opening introduction to {{NL|short|nolink}}.]]
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The game begins with the player's train ride moving into their new town. On the train, they are greeted by [[Rover]], whose questions determine the player's appearance. When the first player arrives in town, they are greeted by [[Isabelle]] and three [[Villager|villagers]], who believe them to be the new mayor of the town; all subsequent players are instead greeted as standard residents.
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[[File:NL Mayor Welcome.png|200px|thumb|right|Isabelle welcoming the new mayor to town.]]
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The mayor's secretary, [[Isabelle]], takes the player to the [[town hall]], where she gives the player their [[Town Pass Card]] and encourages them to visit [[Nook's Homes]] on main street to find a place to live. The player is then introduced to [[Tom Nook]], who offers to build them a house.
  
In early October, an ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' 3DS XL bundle was announced in Japan for when the game releases.  
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After choosing a location for their new home, Isabelle informs the player they need to increase their town approval rating as mayor, which is done by performing various day-to-day tasks in the town. When a player's approval rating reaches one hundred percent, the ability to build [[Public works project|public works projects]] and enact [[Ordinance|ordinances]] as mayor is unlocked.
In addition, another Japanese Nintendo Direct episode regarding Animal Crossing was scheduled for Friday, October 5. During the 47 minute video, highlights included [[K.K. Slider]] now performing as a DJ at a comedy club known as [[Club LOL]], customized road designs, megaphones for getting villagers' attention, diving for coral, new multiplayer games hosted on islands, meeting other players through the 3DS's StreetPass feature, and more.
 
  
In early 2013, to promote the new game, Nintendo launched an official [http://www.animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' website], containing information and trailers regarding the game.
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===Mayor===
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{{Main|Mayor#The player as mayor (New Leaf)}}
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As the mayor of the town, the player is given the task to make it a better place to live and achieve a "perfect town" [[Environment_rating|environment rating]] status. This can be done through the mayor's ability to build [[Public works project|public works projects]], which are outdoor structures (such as bridges, benches, and various amenities) that can be placed around town, for a new level of added customisation to the {{SER|nolink}}. The mayor can also enact [[Ordinance|ordinances]], which changes an aspect of the town, such as the opening hours of stores or the price of items. Only the first player to move to the town is mayor; all subsequent players are standard residents and cannot perform the duties of mayor.
  
Nintendo later announced in April 2013 that the ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' 3DS XL bundle will also be released in North America and Europe, which includes a copy of ''New Leaf'' on its SD card at a total price of $219.99.
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===Multiplayer===
<center><gallery>
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{{Main|Multiplayer#In Animal Crossing: New Leaf}}
File:AC 3DS Bundle Box.png|The Japanese version ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' 3DS XL bundle
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[[File:NL Multiplayer.jpg|thumb|210px|left|{{NL|short|nolink}} supports four-person multiplayer.]]
File:AC 3DS.png|The bundled 3DS XL design
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The town can facilitate up to four playable residents on the same game cartridge, with four-person simultaneous multiplayer supported through online means and local wireless. {{NL|short|nolink}} places heightened emphasis on multiplayer and connection features due to the added online functionality of the [[Nintendo 3DS]], compared to past [[Nintendo]] systems.
</gallery></center>
 
  
===''Welcome amiibo'' update===
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{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces the "[[Multiplayer#Best_friends|best friend]]" system, which allows for an instant message-exchange function, the ability to play online mini-games through [[Tortimer_Island#Club_Tortimer|Club Tortimer]], visit other player's towns via the [[Dream Suite]], and view player's homes at the [[Happy Home Showcase]]. {{NL|short|nolink}} co-director [[Aya Kyogoku]] explained this was done in order to "feel the presence of others" within the game, building upon the original mission of {{DnM}} - "encouraging communication among different players." <ref name="GDC14">{{Cite web|author=Katsuya Eguchi, Aya Kyogoku|url=https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1020809/How-to-Turn-a-New|title=How to Turn a New Leaf at the Animal Crossing|date-March 19, 2014|site=GDC Vault}}</ref>
{{main|Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome amiibo}}
 
{{Game Update}}
 
  
In 2016, four years after the game's original release in Japan, Nintendo announced a free major content update for ''New Leaf'' called ''Welcome amiibo'' to be released worldwide in November 2016.
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On October 4, 2023, it was announced that Nintendo will discontinue online play and functionality for the Nintendo 3DS by early April 2024, after which it will no longer be possible to play {{NL|short|nolink}} online.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/|title=Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software|date=October 4, 2023|retrieved=October 4, 2023|site=Nintendo Support|author=Nintendo Support}}</ref> Online play will end on April 8, 2024 at 4 PM PDT, but [[StreetPass]] functionality will remain available.
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{{Clear}}
  
''Welcome amiibo'' introduces [[amiibo]] compatibility to the game. Players can summon [[Wisp]], who will prompt them to to scan a character's amiibo to make him to transform into them. Villagers who are summoned can be invited to move into [[town]], and scanning special characters induces as-yet-unknown functionality. 50 villagers from {{PG}} and {{DnMe+}} who are absent in later entries return to the series with this update. They live in mobile homes found in a new RV park location, the [[Campground]], managed by a new [[Special Characters|special character]], [[Harvey]]. Scanning their amiibo will cause them to set up camp in the park, from where they can be invited to move into the town. Players can also buy furniture items from the RVs, using a new currency known as MEOW Coupons
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==={{NLWa|nolink}}===
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[[File:NLWa Campground.png|thumb|210px|right|The campground as introduced in {{NLWa|short}}.]]
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{{Main|Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo}}
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{{NL|short|nolink}} received a free major content expansion titled {{NLWa|short}} in November 2016. The update was previously announced on July 20, 2016, with the promise of added [[amiibo]] figure and card support, with a release date announced for that autumn.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Damien McFerran|date=July 20, 2016|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/autumn_animal_crossing_new_leaf_update_to_bring_amiibo_figure_and_card_support|title=Autumn Animal Crossing: New Leaf Update To Bring amiibo Figure And Card Support|site=Nintendo Life}}</ref> On November 2, 2016, the update was fully unveiled as {{NLWa|short|nolink}} in a 16-minute Animal Crossing Direct, and was released that same day.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=November 2, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bk3dAR0M68|title=Animal Crossing Direct 11.2.2016|site=YouTube}}</ref>
  
[[File:ACNL Amiibo Update 2.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Monique]] moves to a [[player]]'s [[town]] after her [[amiibo]] is scanned.]]  
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The {{NLWa|short|nolink}} update saw several new features added to the game; notably, the addition of the [[campground]], run by [[Harvey]], a new location that facilitates [[amiibo]] support. [[Wisp]] also returns to the {{SER}}, allowing the player to scan in [[amiibo]] cards and figures, to invite villagers and special characters to the [[campground]]. Additionally, the update increases the total villager count from to 399; with 14 entirely new villagers, and 46 returning from {{DnM}}.
  
Other amiibo series are compatible, and scanning them introduces exclusive characters and items. For example, Splatoon amiibo will bring [[squirrel]] villagers based on Callie and Marie into the game, as well a series of Splatoon-themed furniture and clothing items.
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==Features==
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===Locations===
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New locations in {{NL|short|nolink}} include [[Main Street]], [[Timmy and Tommy's store]], [[Nook's Homes]], [[Kicks]], [[Club LOL]], the [[Garden Shop]], [[Photo Booth]], [[Dream Suite]], [[Happy Home Showcase]], [[Tortimer Island]], and [[Re-Tail]]. Several locations from previous games, such as the [[museum]] and the [[Able Sisters]], return as well.
  
Players will also be able place villagers into photographs they take with their console's camera.<ref>[https://twitter.com/doubutsuno_mori/status/783474226422353920 Official Doubutsuno Mori Twitter]</ref> The update also includes new items, many of which were introduced in {{HHD}}.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/paper/index.html]</ref> The player can also connect with their ''Happy Home Designer'' data if they own the game, which unlocks more new giant furniture.
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===Items===
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{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces several new items, such as [[sea creature]]s that can be donated to the museum, statues that can be donated to the museum as [[art]], wall-mounted [[furniture]], bottoms, socks, and shoes. Additionally, the appearance of furniture can now be [[Furniture customization|customized]] at [[Re-Tail]].
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===Miscellaneous===
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{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces many other new features for the {{SER}}, some of the most notable being:
 +
*Each personality now has its own pitch of [[Animalese]]; in previous games, the variants were limited to male, female, and [[cranky]] male.
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*The player can now pick the town layout while on the train when the game starts, rather than being assigned a random map.
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*House exteriors can now be [[House customization|customized]] to reflect various styles.
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*Flowers now drip with water once a watering can has been used on them, allowing the player to know whether they've watered it or not. After this, the flowers that have been watered start to shine.
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*The player can communicate with another player even if they are in a different town.
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*Villagers are now more active in the town environment, being capable of fishing, shaking trees, entering buildings, and more.
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*The player can now choose where they want their house.
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==Characters==
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===Special characters===
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{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Characters}}
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{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo#amiibo and new villagers}}
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{{NL|nolink}} introduces thirteen new [[special characters]], while only one old special character returns after being absent in both {{WW|short}} and {{CF|short}}.
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====New special characters====
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<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
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Cyrus NL.png| '''[[Cyrus]]'''<br>[[Customization|Customizing]] items
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Digby NL.png| '''[[Digby]]'''<br>[[Happy Home Showcase]]
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DJ K.K. NL.png| '''[[DJ KK]]'''<br>[[List of K.K. Slider songs|Song]] remixes
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Grams NL.png| '''[[Grams]]'''<br>[[Tortimer Island]] ([[medal]] shop)
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Isabelle NL.png| '''[[Isabelle]]'''<br>[[Town Hall]] secretary
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Leif NL.png| '''[[Leif]]'''<br>[[Garden Shop]] owner and [[Weeding Day]] host
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Leila NL.png| '''[[Leila]]'''<br>Buys items for a cheap price on [[Tortimer Island]]
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Leilani NL.png| '''[[Leilani]]'''<br>[[Tortimer Island]] ([[tour]]s)
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Luna NL.png| '''[[Luna]]'''<br>[[Dream]]s
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Reese NL.png| '''[[Reese]]'''<br>Buying and selling at [[Re-Tail]]
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Papa Snowman NL.png| '''[[Snowman (New Leaf)|Snowman]]'''<br>Unique [[furniture]]
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Snowmam NL.png| '''[[Snowmam]]'''<br>Giving [[players]] [[furniture]] in the [[Ice Series]]
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Snowtyke NL.png| '''[[Snowtyke]]'''<br>Unique [[furniture]]
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</gallery>
  
The update also includes two new minigames, being [[Animal Crossing: Puzzle League]] and [[Desert Island Escape]]. These can be played by activating a New Nintendo 3DS/New Nintendo 3DS XL or a Wii U piece of furniture, respectively.
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====Returning special character====
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<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
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Porter NL.png| '''[[Porter]]'''<br>[[Train Station]]
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</gallery>
  
The update is available digitally from the Nintendo eShop, and as part of a physical bundle with new ''Animal Crossing'' [[amiibo]].
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===Villagers===
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{{See also|Villager/New Leaf}}
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There are a total of 333 villagers in {{NL|short|nolink}}, which is 123 more than {{CF}}. 100 new villagers have been added, 24 have returned after being absent from {{WW|short|nolink}} and {{CF|short|nolink}}, and one—[[Champ]]—has been removed. Additionally, two new personality types—[[big sister]] and [[smug]]—and two new villager species—[[hamster]] and [[deer]]—have been added.
  
{{clear}}
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====New villagers====
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<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
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Agnes NLWa.png| '''[[Agnes]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[pig]]
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Annalisa NLWa.png| '''[[Annalisa]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[anteater]]
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Apple NLWa.png | '''[[Apple]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[hamster]]
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Bam NLWa.png | '''[[Bam]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[deer]]
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Barold NLWa.png | '''[[Barold]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[bear cub]]
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Beardo NLWa.png | '''[[Beardo]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[bear]]
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Beau NLWa.png | '''[[Beau]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[deer]]
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Benjamin NLWa.png | '''[[Benjamin]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[dog]]
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Bianca NLWa.png | '''[[Bianca]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[tiger]]
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Blanche NLWa.png | '''[[Blanche]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[ostrich]]
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Bonbon NLWa.png | '''[[Bonbon]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[rabbit]]
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Broffina NLWa.png | '''[[Broffina]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[chicken]]
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Bruce NLWa.png | '''[[Bruce]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[deer]]
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Canberra NLWa.png | '''[[Canberra]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[koala]]
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Celia NLWa.png | '''[[Celia]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[eagle]]
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Chadder NLWa.png | '''[[Chadder]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[mouse]]
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Cherry NLWa.png | '''[[Cherry]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[dog]]
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Chops NLWa.png | '''[[Chops]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[pig]]
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Claudia NLWa.png | '''[[Claudia]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[tiger]]
 +
Clay NLWa.png | '''[[Clay]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[hamster]]
 +
Coach NLWa.png | '''[[Coach]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[bull]]
 +
Cole NLWa.png | '''[[Cole]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[rabbit]]
 +
Colton NLWa.png | '''[[Colton]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[horse]]
 +
Cranston NLWa.png | '''[[Cranston]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[ostrich]]
 +
Croque NLWa.png | '''[[Croque]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[frog (species)|frog]]
 +
Deirdre NLWa.png | '''[[Deirdre]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[deer]]
 +
Deli NLWa.png | '''[[Deli]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[monkey]]
 +
Diana NLWa.png | '''[[Diana]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[deer]]
 +
Diva NLWa.png | '''[[Diva]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[frog (species)|frog]]
 +
Drago NLWa.png | '''[[Drago]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[alligator]]
 +
Erik NLWa.png | '''[[Erik]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[deer]]
 +
Eugene NLWa.png | '''[[Eugene]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[koala]]
 +
Fauna NLWa.png | '''[[Fauna]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[deer]]
 +
Flip NLWa.png | '''[[Flip]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[monkey]]
 +
Flo NLWa.png | '''[[Flo]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[penguin]]
 +
Flora NLWa.png | '''[[Flora]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[ostrich]]
 +
Flurry NLWa.png | '''[[Flurry]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[hamster]]
 +
Frita NLWa.png | '''[[Frita]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[sheep]]
 +
Fuchsia NLWa.png | '''[[Fuchsia]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[deer]]
 +
Gayle NLWa.png | '''[[Gayle]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[alligator]]
 +
Graham NLWa.png | '''[[Graham]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[hamster]]
 +
Greta NLWa.png | '''[[Greta]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[mouse]]
 +
Hamlet NLWa.png | '''[[Hamlet]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[hamster]]
 +
Hamphrey NLWa.png | '''[[Hamphrey]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[hamster]]
 +
Hans NLWa.png | '''[[Hans]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[gorilla]]
 +
Hazel NLWa.png | '''[[Hazel]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[squirrel]]
 +
Henry NLWa.png | '''[[Henry]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[frog (species)|frog]]
 +
Hippeux NLWa.png | '''[[Hippeux]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[hippo]]
 +
Jacques NLWa.png | '''[[Jacques]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[bird]]
 +
Julian NLWa.png | '''[[Julian]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[horse]]
 +
Katt NLWa.png | '''[[Katt]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[cat]]
 +
Keaton NLWa.png | '''[[Keaton]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[eagle]]
 +
Ken NLWa.png | '''[[Ken]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[chicken]]
 +
Kevin NLWa.png | '''[[Kevin]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[pig]]
 +
Klaus NLWa.png | '''[[Klaus]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[bear]]
 +
Kyle NLWa.png | '''[[Kyle]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[wolf]]
 +
Lionel NLWa.png | '''[[Lionel]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[lion]]
 +
Lopez NLWa.png | '''[[Lopez]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[deer]]
 +
Lucha NLWa.png | '''[[Lucha]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[bird]]
 +
Lyman NLWa.png | '''[[Lyman]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[koala]]
 +
Marcie NLWa.png | '''[[Marcie]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[kangaroo]]
 +
Marshal NLWa.png | '''[[Marshal]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[squirrel]]
 +
Merengue NLWa.png | '''[[Merengue]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[rhinoceros]]
 +
Mira NLWa.png | '''[[Mira]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[rabbit]]
 +
Molly NLWa.png | '''[[Molly]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[duck]]
 +
Muffy NLWa.png | '''[[Muffy]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[sheep]]
 +
Naomi NLWa.png | '''[[Naomi]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[cow]]
 +
Olaf NLWa.png | '''[[Olaf]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[anteater]]
 +
Pancetti NLWa.png | '''[[Pancetti]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[pig]]
 +
Papi NLWa.png | '''[[Papi]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[horse]]
 +
Pashmina NLWa.png | '''[[Pashmina]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[goat]]
 +
Peck NLWa.png | '''[[Peck]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[bird]]
 +
Penelope NLWa.png | '''[[Penelope]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[mouse]]
 +
Phil NLWa.png | '''[[Phil]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[ostrich]]
 +
Phoebe NLWa.png | '''[[Phoebe]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[ostrich]]
 +
Pietro NLWa.png | '''[[Pietro]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[sheep]]
 +
Quillson NLWa.png | '''[[Quillson]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[duck]]
 +
Renée NLWa.png | '''[[Renée]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[rhinoceros]]
 +
Rocket NLWa.png | '''[[Rocket]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[gorilla]]
 +
Rodney NLWa.png | '''[[Rodney]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[hamster]]
 +
Rooney NLWa.png | '''[[Rooney]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[kangaroo]]
 +
Rory NLWa.png | '''[[Rory]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[lion]]
 +
Rudy NLWa.png | '''[[Rudy]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[cat]]
 +
Shari NLWa.png | '''[[Shari]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[monkey]]
 +
Sheldon NLWa.png | '''[[Sheldon]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[squirrel]]
 +
Shep NLWa.png | '''[[Shep]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[dog]]
 +
Skye NLWa.png | '''[[Skye]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[wolf]]
 +
Sly NLWa.png | '''[[Sly]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[alligator]]
 +
Soleil NLWa.png | '''[[Soleil]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[hamster]]
 +
Sparro NLWa.png | '''[[Sparro]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[bird]]
 +
Sprinkle NLWa.png | '''[[Sprinkle]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[penguin]]
 +
Tammy NLWa.png | '''[[Tammy]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[bear cub]]
 +
Tex NLWa.png | '''[[Tex]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[penguin]]
 +
Tia NLWa.png | '''[[Tia]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[elephant]]
 +
Timbra NLWa.png | '''[[Timbra]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[sheep]]
 +
Tucker NLWa.png | '''[[Tucker]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[elephant]]
 +
Vic NLWa.png | '''[[Vic]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[bull]]
 +
Walt NLWa.png | '''[[Walt]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[kangaroo]]
 +
Zell NLWa.png | '''[[Zell]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[deer]]
 +
Zucker NLWa.png | '''[[Zucker]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[octopus (species)|octopus]]
 +
</gallery>
  
==Gameplay==
+
====Returning villagers====
Gameplay in ''New Leaf'' follows the same pattern as previous games in the series, though with a greater diversity in activities, characters, venues, and more.
+
24 villagers return from {{DnM}}, {{DnM+}}, {{PG}}, and the Japan-exclusive {{DnMe+}}. Seven villagers (marked {{E+ icon}} below) initially only appeared in the latter game and receive localized names for the first time. Seven of the returning villagers have their personalities changed.
 +
<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
 +
Anicotti NLWa.png| '''[[Anicotti]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[mouse]]
 +
Annalise NLWa.png| '''[[Annalise]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[horse]]
 +
Ava NLWa.png| '''[[Ava]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[chicken]]
 +
Bangle NLWa.png| '''[[Bangle]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[tiger]]
 +
Bertha NLWa.png| '''[[Bertha]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[hippo]]
 +
Biff NLWa.png| '''[[Biff]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[hippo]]
 +
Bubbles NLWa.png| '''[[Bubbles]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[hippo]]
 +
Cally NLWa.png| '''[[Cally]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[squirrel]]
 +
Charlise NLWa.png| '''[[Charlise]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Big sister]] [[bear]]<br><small>(formerly [[peppy]])</small>
 +
Cheri NLWa.png| '''[[Cheri]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[bear cub]]
 +
Cobb NLWa.png| '''[[Cobb]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[pig]]
 +
Curlos NLWa.png| '''[[Curlos]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Smug]] [[sheep]]<br><small>(formerly [[cranky]])</small>
 +
Doc NLWa.png| '''[[Doc]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[rabbit]]
 +
Frank NLWa.png| '''[[Frank]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Cranky]] [[eagle]]
 +
Gruff NLWa.png| '''[[Gruff]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[goat]]
 +
Kidd NLWa.png| '''[[Kidd]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Smug]] [[goat]]<br><small>(formerly [[lazy]])</small>
 +
Leonardo NLWa.png| '''[[Leonardo]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Jock]] [[tiger]]
 +
O'Hare NLWa.png| '''[[O'Hare]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[rabbit]]<br><small>(formerly [[cranky]])</small>
 +
Ozzie NLWa.png| '''[[Ozzie]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[koala]]
 +
Paula NLWa.png| '''[[Paula]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Big sister]] [[bear]]<br><small>(formerly [[peppy]])</small>
 +
Ricky NLWa.png| '''[[Ricky]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[squirrel]]
 +
Sylvia NLWa.png| '''[[Sylvia]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Big sister]] [[kangaroo]]<br><small>(formerly [[snooty]])</small>
 +
T-Bone NLWa.png| '''[[T-Bone]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[bull]]<br><small>(formerly [[lazy]])</small>
 +
Velma NLWa.png| '''[[Velma]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[goat]]
 +
</gallery>
  
=== Role as the mayor ===
+
==Release==
Unlike the last few installments in the series, where the player became a resident of their town, the player is now the mayor of the town (which in the previous games was [[Tortimer]]). While the player is still able to relax and engage in activities such as fishing and bug catching, they now have the responsibility of regulating the town and improving it. The player can build new features for the town, such as bridges, statues, or shrubs. They also can alter store prices and hours. Only the first player to start up the game is the mayor.
+
[[File:Nintendo 2DS NL.jpg|thumb|210px|right|[[Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 2DS]] bundled with {{NL|short|nolink}}.]]
  
=== Tortimer Island ===
+
==={{NL|nolink}}===
{{main|Tortimer Island}}
+
{{NL|nolink}} was first released on November 8, 2012 in Japan, and in South Korea on February 7, 2013.<ref name="JPN release date"/><ref name="KOR release date"/> The game was released internationally across June 2013, releasing in North America on June 9, <ref name="USA release date"/> in Europe on June 14, and Australia on June 15, 2013.
  
[[File:Kapp'n and Motorboat.png|thumb|right|The dock from which [[Kapp'n]] will take the player to the island.]]
+
===Special edition consoles===
The tropical [[Animal Island|island]] from {{PG}} returns in ''New Leaf'' as [[Tortimer Island]], which can be accessed from the [[dock]] after certain conditions have been met. [[Kapp'n]] can take up to four players to the island on his motorboat for 1,000 [[Bells]], and the location is accessible to Wi-Fi visitors. No items can be taken to Tortimer Island, and all items in every players' [[pocket]]s will kept in storage until they return. On Tortimer Island, players can participate in a variety of 38 minigames, called [[tour]]s, hosted by Tortimer himself. Winning these tours wins the player medals which can be used to buy exclusive items at the island's shop. The items collected on and around the island must be put in a box near the entrance. The box has room for 40 items and all items in the player's inventory when he or she leaves will be sold for a cheaper price than [[Re-Tail]] except for rented tools and equipment which will automatically be collected before the player leaves.
+
{{Main|Nintendo 3DS#Animal Crossing models and bundles}}
  
=== Villagers ===
+
A special edition {{SER|short}}-themed [[Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 3DS XL]] console was released alongside {{NL|short|nolink}} in North America, Europe, and Japan, circa 2013. It contained a copy of {{NL|nolink}} pre-installed. A standard red-and-white themed [[Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 2DS]] bundled with {{NL|short|nolink}} was also released in Europe.
Many [[villagers]] from the previous games make their reappearance, in addition to a number of new ones. The number of villagers able to live in each town is regularly 9 but setting up a [[Campsite (New Leaf)|Campsite]] and convincing the villager inside the Campsite to move into town can make a total of ten. New species of villagers have also been introduced, including the [[hamster]] and the [[deer]]. Two new [[personality]] types, [[smug]] and [[uchi]], have been added to the game in addition to the returning six, making for a total of eight different possible personalities. Each personality now has their own pitch of [[Animalese]], unlike previous games where the voices only differed by gender (with the exception of [[cranky]] villagers).
 
  
=== Other new features ===
+
==Reception==
''New Leaf'' introduces many other new features for the {{SER}}, some of the most notable being:
+
===Critical reception===
* New [[insects]] ([[Cicada shell]], [[giant cicada]], [[hermit crab]], [[house centipede]], [[rice grasshopper]], [[stinkbug]], [[tiger beetle]] and [[wharf roach]]) and [[fish]] ([[Blowfish]], [[giant trevally]], [[mitten crab]], [[nibble fish]], [[oarfish]],  [[ribbon eel]], [[saddled bichir]], [[saw shark]], [[soft-shelled turtle]], [[tadpole]] and [[whale shark]]) have been introduced for catching.
+
{| class="styled color-series" style="float: right; text-align: center;" |
* New [[fossil]]s have been introduced ([[Archelon]], [[Diplodocus]], [[Megacerops]], [[Spinosaurus]]).
+
|-
* New [[fruits]] have been added to the game (Bananas, Durians, Lemons, Lychees, Mangoes, Persimmons).
+
!Publication
* The player can now customize their pants and [[shoes]], reflecting the taller character designs seen in the game's art style. They can also take off their shoes.
+
!Rating
* Each personality now has their own pitch of [[Animalese]], before the variants were limited to male, female, and [[cranky]] male. The pitch of [[normal]] and [[lazy]] villagers sound very similar to the generic male and female voices in previous games. [[Peppy]] villagers sound like normal villagers, but are a bit higher-pitched. Likewise, [[jock]] villagers sound like lazy villagers, but are a bit higher-pitched. [[Snooty]] villagers use the voice that was once reserved for [[Joan]]. Cranky villagers sound like they've always been. [[Smug]] villagers use the voice that was once reserved for [[Farley]]. [[Uchi]] villagers sound like [[snooty]] villagers, but are a bit higher-pitched.
+
|-
* The player can now pick the town layout while on the train when the game starts, rather than be assigned a random map.
+
|{{wp|Famitsu|Famitsu}}
* House exteriors can now be customized to reflect various styles.
+
|39/40<ref>[http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/31/3580050/japan-review-check-animal-crossing-dynasty-warriors-silent-hill Polygon - Japan review check: Animal Crossing, Dynasty Warriors, Silent Hill]</ref>
* Certain pieces of furniture can now be placed onto walls.
+
|-
* The player can now go swimming in the ocean and dive for coral and [[deep sea creature]]s, a new type of collectible.
+
|{{wp|GameSpot|GameSpot}}
* Several new villagers, and special characters are introduced, as are several new species, such as [[hamster]]s, [[deer]], and [[alpaca]]s.
+
|8/10<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf/reviews/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review-6409125/ GameSpot - Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review]</ref>
* Flowers now drip with water once they have the watering can used on them, allowing the player to know whether they've watered it or not. After this, the flowers that have been watered start to shine.
+
|-
* A new tool, the [[Megaphone]], can be used to get a villagers' attention and location by saying their name into the system's microphone.
+
|{{wp|IGN|IGN}}
* Certain pieces of furniture are now [[refurbish|customizable]] using various colors and designs.
+
|9.6/10<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review IGN - New Leaf Review]</ref>
* The player can communicate with another player even if they are in a different town.
+
|-
* New multiplayer games are hosted on [[Tortimer Island|island]]s accessible by boat. [[Medal]]s are awarded to winners of mini-games hosted by [[Tortimer]], which can be traded for prizes.
+
|{{wp|Metacritic|Metacritic}}{{note|at an average of 70 reviews}}
* Villagers are now more active in the town environment, being capable of fishing, shaking trees, entering buildings, and so on.
+
| 88%<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/animal-crossing-new-leaf ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' on Metacritic]</ref>
* The player can now choose where they want their house.
+
|}
 +
{{NL|short|nolink}} received generally positive reviews and ratings upon release. Its visuals were a key point for praise, with the 3D features well-commended. The more in-depth gameplay and details offered from previous ''Animal Crossing'' games were also viewed positively, along with the presence of enough new content to keep the game exciting.
  
=== New buildings ===
+
===Sales===
''New Leaf'' features a new [[Main Street]], a shopping district located to the north of every [[player]]'s [[town]]. It is similar to {{CF}}'s [[City]]. The shopping district features a wide array of shops and venues, many of which are new to the series:
+
In Japan, {{NL|short|nolink}} sold over 600,000 copies in its first week,<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/news/big-in-japan-november-5-11-animal-crossing-new-leaf-6400172 GameSpot - Big in Japan November 5-11: Animal Crossing: New Leaf]</ref> and went on to become the top-selling Nintendo 3DS game in the country at over 2 million units. The game has sold 13.05 million global units as of September 30, 2023, making it the second best-selling game in the {{SER}} behind {{NH|short}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|title=IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software|site=Nintendo}}</ref>
* '''[[Timmy and Tommy's store]]''' - Formerly run by [[Tom Nook]] in previous games, [[Timmy and Tommy]] now run the general store in ''New Leaf''.
 
* '''[[Able Sisters]]''' - The Able Sisters offer clothing as in past games, in addition to now offering the ability to share and obtain created patterns through [[QR codes]].
 
** [[Labelle]] also returns, and is connected to the Able Sisters selling hats, umbrellas, and other accessories.
 
* '''[[Post Office]]''' - The postal service returns as an independent building on Main Street.
 
* '''[[Nook's Homes]]''' - A building where players can alter the appearance of their home and buy a variety of designs and decorative objects from [[Tom Nook]]. In previous games he would let [[player]]s alter their home in his [[shop]].
 
**After activating the Happy Home showcase players can also view their scores by talking to the now present  Lyle.
 
* '''[[Kicks (shop)|Kicks]]''' - A shop that now sells shoes and socks, run by [[Kicks]], a minor character who first appeared in {{CF}}.
 
* '''[[Garden Center]]''' - A shop that sells flower seeds and tree saplings, run by a sloth named [[Leif]]. In [[T.I.Y]] and [[T&T Emporium]] the [[Garden Center]] is attached or inside the store.
 
* '''[[Shampoodle]]''' - Located upstairs to the Able Sisters, offering hair and eye color styling. Like previous games, the store is once again run by [[Harriet]].
 
* '''[[Museum]]''' - [[Blathers]] continues to run the town's museum, which now offers a wider range of fossils and fish to exhibit, an exhibition room, and a museum shop that is run by [[Celeste]].  
 
** The art section now also includes statues and other works besides paintings.
 
* '''[[Club LOL]]''' - A club run by [[K.K. Slider]] and [[Dr. Shrunk]]. K.K Slider works daily as a DJ, while still holding traditional performances on Saturday nights.
 
* '''[[Photo Booth]]''' - A booth that allows the player to take a picture for their [[Town Pass Card]].
 
* '''[[Dream Suite]]''' - Run by [[Luna]], allowing players to visit other towns by inputting that town's dream address. The visit is set in a dream world, so no alterations can be made to that town.
 
**Also no items can be taken except for patterns if the mayor of the town authorizes it. To get the patterns look around town for Wendell the walrus.
 
* '''[[Happy Home Showcase]]''' - A showcase that stores houses of other players who have exchanged data via StreetPass. The homes may be viewed, and furniture from the houses can be ordered for purchase.
 
* '''[[Fortune Shop]]''' - After receiving 20 fortunes from [[Katrina]] during her visits, she will open a permanent Fortune Shop.
 
  
Other buildings found in the town include:
+
==Update history==
* '''[[Re-Tail]]''' - A shop run by [[Reese]] and [[Cyrus]], where the player can sell items, customize furniture, and recycle items into new creations. They may also post items for sale to [[villager]]s or other players.
+
<div align=center style="font-size: 1.6em;>'''Current Version:</div>
* '''[[Police Station]]''' - The police station returns as a [[public works project]] for the town. There are two different styles the player can choose from:
+
<div align=center style="font-size: 1.4em;>Ver. 1.5 (Released December 8, 2016 in {{Flag|USA}} and {{Flag|EUR}})'''</div>
**Classic, which run by [[Booker]] and appears as square wooden building.
 
**Modern, which is run by [[Copper]] and resembles the rounded building seen in previous games.
 
* '''[[Resetti Surveillance Center]]''' - The surveillance center returns as a public works project, which is designed as a manhole cover the player may enter after rainy days.
 
* '''[[The Roost]]''' - This coffee shop also makes a return as a standalone building that can be built through a public works project. [[Brewster]] makes his return in the Roost, who the player can now work part-time for, and take coffee to-go outside of the Roost.
 
* '''[[Campground]]''' - A campground can be constructed as a public works project. Depending on the season, [[Tent]]s and [[Igloo]]s will periodically appear with animal visitors. Players can play games with them, and occasionally encourage, or discourage them to move into their town.
 
  
==Release and Reception==
+
{{NL|nolink}} was the first game in the {{SER|nolink}} to receive updates via the Nintendo eShop, which primarily focused on fixing bugs in the game, with the exception of {{NLWa}}.
''New Leaf'' received generally positive reviews and ratings upon release. Its visuals were a key point for praise, with the 3D features well-commended. The more in-depth gameplay and details offered from previous ''Animal Crossing'' games were also viewed positively, along with the presence of enough new content to keep the game exciting.
 
  
Ratings include:
+
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:left; width:100%; line-height:14px"
* [[Wikipedia:Famitsu|Famitsu]]: 39/40<ref>[http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/31/3580050/japan-review-check-animal-crossing-dynasty-warriors-silent-hill Polygon - Japan review check: Animal Crossing, Dynasty Warriors, Silent Hill]</ref>
+
{{ChangelogTop|fullwidth=true|version-size=150px}}
* [[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]]: 8/10<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf/reviews/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review-6409125/ GameSpot - Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review]</ref>
+
{{Changelog
* [[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]]: 9.6/10<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review IGN - New Leaf Review]</ref>
+
|version = 1.5<ref name=NLUpdates>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/3ds/soft/egdj/update/index.html</ref>
* [[Wikipedia:Metacritic|Metacritic]] (an average of 70 reviews): 88% <ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/animal-crossing-new-leaf ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' on Metacritic]</ref>
+
|date = {{Flag|JPN}} November 23, 2016<br>{{Flag|KOR}} December 1, 2016<ref>https://www.nintendo.co.kr/3DS/software/animal_forest/item/update.html?scorll=1</ref><br>{{Flag|USA}}/{{Flag|EUR}} December 8, 2016<ref>https://mynintendonews.com/2016/12/08/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-been-updated-to-version-1-5/</ref>
 +
|changelog=
 +
:''Official changelog:''
 +
*Fixed a bug that results in error code [004-6006] to be displayed when receiving a present from [[town hall]] or from the [[campground]].
 +
*Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
 +
}}
 +
{{Changelog
 +
|version = [[Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo|1.4]]<ref name=NLUpdates/>
 +
|date = {{Flag|JPN}}/{{Flag|USA}}/{{Flag|EUR}} November 2, 2016
 +
|changelog=
 +
:[[File:NLa Home Menu Icon.png|20px|link=]] '''''[[Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo]]'''''
 +
}}
 +
{{Changelog
 +
|version = 1.1<ref name=NLUpdates/>
 +
|date = {{Flag|JPN}}/{{Flag|KOR}} March 3, 2013<ref name=NLUpdates/><br>{{Flag|USA}}/{{Flag|EUR}} June 2013
 +
|changelog=
 +
:[[File:Isabelle NL Icon.png|20px|link=]] '''Initial release''' for North America and Europe.
 +
:''Official changelog:''
 +
*Fixed an issue that could cause an error to occur when launching a game
 +
*Fixed an issue that could result in a error when entering a [[police station]].
 +
*Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
 +
}}
 +
{{Changelog
 +
|version = 1.0
 +
|date = {{Flag|JPN}} November 8, 2012<br>{{Flag|KOR}} February 7, 2013
 +
|changelog =
 +
:[[File:Isabelle NL Icon.png|20px|link=]] '''Initial release''' for Japan and South Korea
 +
}}
 +
|}
  
In Japan, the game sold over 600,000 copies in its first week,<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/news/big-in-japan-november-5-11-animal-crossing-new-leaf-6400172 GameSpot - Big in Japan November 5-11: Animal Crossing: New Leaf]</ref> and went on to become the top-selling Nintendo 3DS game in the country at over 2 million units. Worldwide, ''New Leaf'' has sold over 11.69 million units as of March 31, 2018.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html]</ref>
+
==Related media==
 +
{{NL|nolink}} received three tie-in [[List of Animal Crossing manga|manga]] in Japan: ''[[Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Minna de Seseragi Mura Life]]'', ''[[Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori (manga)|Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori]]'', and ''[[Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Harikiri Sonchō Ippē!]]''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
{{Main|Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Gallery}}
+
{{Gallery}}
The following are official press images distributed to Animal Crossing sites. Most of the images were taken directly from the trailers, but some new character art was also provided for players, [[Bill]], [[Rosie]], [[Bob]], [[Filbert]] and [[Curt]].
+
<gallery>
 
+
Boy 1 NL.png|Male [[player]]
<center><gallery caption="E3 2010">
+
Girl 1 NL.png|Female player
File:AC3DS 1.png|A player near a rock. Notice how realistic the trees are.
+
Isabelle NL.png|[[Isabelle]]
File:AC3DS 2.png|A player with [[Curt]] in front of a bench. Notice the new lampposts and the return of the bedhead.
+
Bill NL.png|[[Bill]]
File:AC3DS 3.png|A player with [[Bob]] on a beach. Notice the new beaches on the sides of the town.
+
Curt NL.png|[[Curt]]
File:AC3DS 4.png|A player in [[Filbert|Filbert's]] house
+
Fauna NL.png|[[Fauna]]
File:AC3DS 5.png|A player with a [[shovel]] Notice that the flowers come in fours instead of threes.
+
Leif NL.png|[[Leif]]
File:AC3DS 6.png|A player in their [[house]]
+
Kapp'n NL.png|[[Kapp'n]]
File:AC3DS 7.jpg|A player in [[Rosie|Rosie's]] house
+
Digby NL.png|[[Digby]]
</gallery>
 
<gallery caption="E3 2011">
 
File:AC3DS 8.jpg|A player jumping into the ocean (Players may only swim while wearing a wetsuit)
 
File:AC3DS 9.jpg|A player about to catch a [[yellow butterfly]]
 
File:AC3DS 10.jpg|A player picking [[mushroom]]s
 
File:AC3DS 11.jpg|A player near bushes
 
File:AC3DS 12.jpg|A player near a street lamp in the snow
 
File:AC3DS 13.jpg|A player outside a tent
 
File:AC3DS 14.jpg|A player swimming
 
File:AC3DS 15.jpg|A player in [[Bunnie|Bunnie's]] house
 
File:AC3DS 16.jpg|A player in a house
 
File:AC3DS 17.jpg|A player with Isabelle.
 
File:AC3DS 18.jpg|A player on a bench with [[Punchy]]
 
File:AC3DS 19.jpg|A player after changing their pants and shoes
 
File:Animal Crossing 3DS.png|The beta logo
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery caption="Tokyo Game Show 2011">
 
File:AC3DS 20.jpg|A player sitting inside a house
 
File:AC3DS 21.jpg|A player next to a well
 
File:AC3DS 22.png|[[Tom Nook]] following the player
 
File:AC3DS 23.jpg|Two players swimming in the ocean
 
File:AC3DS 24.jpg|Players gathered inside a house
 
File:AC3DS 25.jpg|Two villagers and a player in a house
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery caption="Nintendo Direct 2012, April">
 
File:Shoes.jpg|A player in a shoe store run by Kicks
 
File:Furniture.jpg|A player in [[Re-Tail]] run by Reese
 
File:Office.jpg|A player in their office with Isabelle
 
File:Shelter.jpg|A player standing under a structure with Rudy the cat nearby
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery caption="Nintendo Direct 2012, October">
 
File:AC3D-Direct1.jpg|A player standing at a house
 
File:AC3D-Direct2.jpg|A player running by some shops
 
File:AC3D-Direct3.jpg|Kicks' shop
 
File:AC3D-Direct4.jpg|[[Leif]]
 
File:AC3D-Direct5.jpg|Reese
 
File:Rainbow and Railroad.jpg|A railroad crossing beneath a rainbow
 
File:Snowman 3DS.jpg|A player next to a [[snowman]]
 
File:Redd 3DS.jpg|[[Redd]] in a booth near a player
 
File:Lemon Trees.png|The player running past some [[fruit|lemon]] trees
 
File:Maze Minigame.png|A player in a maze minigame
 
File:Kapp'n and Motorboat.png|[[Kapp'n]] on his motorboat, ready to board multiple players
 
File:Island Shop.JPG|The [[Island]] shop where the player can trade medals for items.
 
File:Break_Out_Tour.jpg|"Break Out! Southern Labyrinth Tour" is a tour that 4 players can cooperatively play on the [[island]].
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery caption="[[amiibo]] Update">
 
File:ACNL Amiibo Update 1.jpg|[[Wisp]] assisting a [[player]] with scanning an [[amiibo]]
 
File:ACNL Amiibo Update 2.jpg|[[Monique]] moves into a player's town after her amiibo is scanned
 
File:ACNL Amiibo Update 3.jpg|Players dressed in [[clothes]] based on Callie and Marie
 
File:ACNL Amiibo Update 4.jpg|Squid Sisters-themed [[villager]]s
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery caption="Magazine Scans">
 
File:AC3Dscan1.jpeg|An August 2012 magazine scan translated to English.
 
File:AC3Dscan2.jpeg|Another August 2012 magazine scan translated to English.
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Characters">
 
File:AC3DS Boy.png|Artwork of a boy player
 
File:AC3DS Girl.png|Artwork of a girl player
 
File:Isabelle NL.png|Artwork of [[Isabelle]]
 
File:Bill NL.png|Artwork of [[Bill]]
 
File:Curt NL.png|Artwork of [[Curt]]
 
File:Fauna NL.png|Artwork of [[Fauna]]
 
File:Rex NL.png|Artwork of [[Rex]]
 
File:Vivian NL.png|Artwork of [[Vivian]]
 
File:LeifAnimalCrossingNewLeaf.png|Artwork of [[Leif]]
 
File: Kappn 3DS.png|Artwork of [[Kapp'n]]
 
File: Digby.png|Artwork of [[Digby]]
 
File: Harvey NL.png|Artwork of [[Harvey]]
 
</gallery></center>
 
  
==Pre-release elements==
+
==Videos==
''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' has several concept artwork that can resemble or vary wildly from the released design.
+
===Trailers===
 +
{{YouTube|tgIy5YZKp-8|250|left|E3 2011 Trailer (June 7th, 2011)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|895koqZvihI|250|left|2012 Trailer (October 25th, 2012)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|M_UmQ0S1C10|250|left|2013 Trailer (February 14th, 2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|GC80YgCckog|250|left|Tourism Trailer (April 8th, 2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|z09iRo44Mcs|250|left|Launch Trailer (June 5th, 2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|H_75G1cRw9Q|250|left|North America TV Commercial (2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{clear}}
  
<center><gallery>
+
==Music==
File:Character Concept Art.png
+
{{TableTop Music|title={{NL|nolink}}}}
File:Lucha Concept Art.png|[[Lucha]]
+
|-
File:Merengue Concept Art.png|[[Merengue]]
+
| Animal Crossing: New Leaf Title (E3 2011 Presentation)
File:Pietro Concept Art.png|[[Pietro]]
+
| {{NL|nolink}}
File:Penelope Concept Art.png|[[Penelope]]
+
| [[File:NL Title (E3 2011 Presentation).flac]]
File:Clover Clock Concept Art.png
+
|
File:Dessert Concept Art.png
+
|-
File:Landscaping Concept Art.png
+
| Animal Crossing: New Leaf Title (Tokyo Game Show 2011 Presentation)
</gallery></center>
+
| {{NL|nolink}}
 +
| [[File:NL Title (Tokyo Game Show 2011 Presentation).flac]]
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
{{TableFooter}}
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
*In ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'', one of Donkey Kong's idle animations is pulling out a blue 3DS XL. Sound effects from ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'', one of the four games, are heard.
+
*In the Wii U version of ''[[mariowiki:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' , one of [[mariowiki:Donkey Kong|Donkey Kong]]'s idle animation sees him pull out a blue Nintendo 3DS XL. Sound effects from one of four games, including {{NL|nolink}}, can be heard. This easter egg does not return in the Nintendo Switch port.
  
 +
==Names in other languages==
 +
{{Foreignname
 +
|ja=とびだせ どうぶつの森
 +
|ja-r=Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori
 +
|ja-m=Animal Forest: Jump Out
 +
|es=Animal Crossing: New Leaf
 +
|es-m=-
 +
|fr=Animal Crossing: New Leaf
 +
|fr-m=-
 +
|de=Animal Crossing: New Leaf
 +
|de-m=-
 +
|it=Animal Crossing: New Leaf
 +
|it-m=-
 +
|ko=튀어나와요 동물의 숲
 +
|ko-r=Twieonawayo Dongmul-ui Sup
 +
|ko-m=Animal Forest: Jump Out
 +
}}
  
==External Links==
+
==Notes==
*[http://animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ Official Site (English)]
+
{{Note list}}
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/index.html Official Site (Japanese)]
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references/>
+
{{Reflist}}
  
{{Animal Crossing}}
+
==External links==
[[Category:Video Games]]
+
{{Other Wikis
 +
| strategywiki = 1
 +
| wikipedia = 1
 +
}}
 +
*[https://www.animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ Official North American website]
 +
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/index.html Official Japanese website]
 +
 
 +
{{Navbox NL}}
 +
{{Navbox Animal Crossing series}}
 
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]
 
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]
 +
[[Category:Video games]]
 +
[[Category:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|*]]
 +
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS]]
 +
 +
[[es:Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]

Latest revision as of 11:20, April 4, 2024

English logo
North American game cover
North American game cover
Main theme
Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Isao Moro
Aya Kyogoku
Platform(s) Nintendo 3DS
Release date(s) Japan November 8, 2012[1]
South Korea February 7, 2013[2]
United States of America June 9, 2013[3]
Europe June 14, 2013
Australia June 15, 2013
Genre(s) Simulation
Language(s) United States of America English, French, Spanish
Japan Japanese
Europe Australia English, French, Italian, German, Spanish
South Korea Korean
Modes Single-player
Multiplayer (1–4 player local wireless/online)
Ratings ACB:  G
CERO:  A
ESRB:  E
GRAC:  All
PEGI:  3
RARS:  0+
USK:  0
Media Nintendo 3DS Game Card
Nintendo eShop digital download
File size 6,002 Blocks (digital download only)

Guide at StrategyWiki

Animal Crossing: New Leaf[nb 1] is a simulation game for the Nintendo 3DS released on November 8, 2012. It is the fourth main installment in the Animal Crossing series released outside of Japan.

An open-ended game, New Leaf follows a player-controlled human living in a town populated with animals and performing various tasks, such as interacting with characters and collecting items. As is with all games in the Animal Crossing series, the game is synced to the system clock, which affects gameplay based on the current time and day. New Leaf sees the introduction of the player undertaking the role as mayor of the town, allowing for added freedom and customisation.

In November 2016, New Leaf received a free expansion titled Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo. It was first released on November 2, 2016. The update included new gameplay features and the inclusion of amiibo support.

Development and unveiling[edit]

See also: List of Animal Crossing: New Leaf staff
Early footage of New Leaf revealed at E3 2010.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf was first unveiled during E3 2010, on June 15th, 2010.[4] During Nintendo's E3 2010 conference, a non-playable demo showcased footage of the game, and it was announced that the player would undertake the role as mayor of the town,[5] with the goal of making it a better place to live.[6] At this time, the game was then untitled, given a working title of just Animal Crossing. Additional gameplay footage was released on September 29, 2010 at the Nintendo 3DS Conference.[7]

Early work and planning for the English localization of New Leaf began in late 2010, according to Reiko Ninomiya of Nintendo Treehouse. Ninomiya explained, "We worked with the development team and brainstormed ideas for events and items, and even how some of the old characters and events could be twisted and changed and have them evolve as well." [8] New gameplay footage was revealed at the Nintendo World Expo in January 2011.[9]

On June 7, 2011, New Leaf received its first full-length gameplay trailer as part of E3 2011.[10] An additional trailer was released as part of the Nintendo 3DS Conference in September 2011.[11] A developer roundtable hosted in September 2011 revealed additional information about the game, such as expanded clothing and customisation options, and formally introduced Isabelle as the mayor's assistant.[12]

Full localization of New Leaf began in March 2012, according to Reiko Ninomiya; "The actual translation we started in, I'd like to put the pin right around March 2012. So we did English, French, and Spanish for our region and we got to work really closely together with Nintendo of Europe as well." [8]

During a Nintendo Direct hosted on April 21, 2012, the game's Japanese title was announced [nb 1] and the game was given a release window of Fall 2012. A Japanese exclusive Animal Crossing Direct premiered on October 5, 2012, showcasing more of the game's new features.[13] On October 25, 2012, a Nintendo Direct announced the game's localized subtitle as Animal Crossing: New Leaf and was set to launch overseas in early 2013.[14] The definitive release dates of the game for North America, Europe, and Australia, were announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 14, 2013.[15]

Gameplay[edit]

Like previous Animal Crossing games before it, New Leaf is an open-ended simulation game where the player takes the role of a human moving into a town of animals. Tasks the player can partake in include socializing with villagers, collecting items, catching fish and bugs, and paying off their home loan. The game takes place in real-time, meaning the in-game time of day and year matches that of the Nintendo 3DS. The time of day and year affects aspects of gameplay such as whether or not shops are open or villagers are awake, seasonal events, and the availability of certain fish, bugs, and items. Up to four players can live in a town, with each one having their own house.

Premise[edit]

Rover talking to the player during the opening introduction to New Leaf.

The game begins with the player's train ride moving into their new town. On the train, they are greeted by Rover, whose questions determine the player's appearance. When the first player arrives in town, they are greeted by Isabelle and three villagers, who believe them to be the new mayor of the town; all subsequent players are instead greeted as standard residents.

Isabelle welcoming the new mayor to town.

The mayor's secretary, Isabelle, takes the player to the town hall, where she gives the player their Town Pass Card and encourages them to visit Nook's Homes on main street to find a place to live. The player is then introduced to Tom Nook, who offers to build them a house.

After choosing a location for their new home, Isabelle informs the player they need to increase their town approval rating as mayor, which is done by performing various day-to-day tasks in the town. When a player's approval rating reaches one hundred percent, the ability to build public works projects and enact ordinances as mayor is unlocked.

Mayor[edit]

Main article: Mayor#The player as mayor (New Leaf)

As the mayor of the town, the player is given the task to make it a better place to live and achieve a "perfect town" environment rating status. This can be done through the mayor's ability to build public works projects, which are outdoor structures (such as bridges, benches, and various amenities) that can be placed around town, for a new level of added customisation to the Animal Crossing series. The mayor can also enact ordinances, which changes an aspect of the town, such as the opening hours of stores or the price of items. Only the first player to move to the town is mayor; all subsequent players are standard residents and cannot perform the duties of mayor.

Multiplayer[edit]

Main article: Multiplayer#In Animal Crossing: New Leaf
New Leaf supports four-person multiplayer.

The town can facilitate up to four playable residents on the same game cartridge, with four-person simultaneous multiplayer supported through online means and local wireless. New Leaf places heightened emphasis on multiplayer and connection features due to the added online functionality of the Nintendo 3DS, compared to past Nintendo systems.

New Leaf introduces the "best friend" system, which allows for an instant message-exchange function, the ability to play online mini-games through Club Tortimer, visit other player's towns via the Dream Suite, and view player's homes at the Happy Home Showcase. New Leaf co-director Aya Kyogoku explained this was done in order to "feel the presence of others" within the game, building upon the original mission of Doubutsu no Mori - "encouraging communication among different players." [16]

On October 4, 2023, it was announced that Nintendo will discontinue online play and functionality for the Nintendo 3DS by early April 2024, after which it will no longer be possible to play New Leaf online.[17] Online play will end on April 8, 2024 at 4 PM PDT, but StreetPass functionality will remain available.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo[edit]

The campground as introduced in Welcome amiibo.
Main article: Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo

New Leaf received a free major content expansion titled Welcome amiibo in November 2016. The update was previously announced on July 20, 2016, with the promise of added amiibo figure and card support, with a release date announced for that autumn.[18] On November 2, 2016, the update was fully unveiled as Welcome amiibo in a 16-minute Animal Crossing Direct, and was released that same day.[19]

The Welcome amiibo update saw several new features added to the game; notably, the addition of the campground, run by Harvey, a new location that facilitates amiibo support. Wisp also returns to the Animal Crossing series, allowing the player to scan in amiibo cards and figures, to invite villagers and special characters to the campground. Additionally, the update increases the total villager count from to 399; with 14 entirely new villagers, and 46 returning from Doubutsu no Mori.

Features[edit]

Locations[edit]

New locations in New Leaf include Main Street, Timmy and Tommy's store, Nook's Homes, Kicks, Club LOL, the Garden Shop, Photo Booth, Dream Suite, Happy Home Showcase, Tortimer Island, and Re-Tail. Several locations from previous games, such as the museum and the Able Sisters, return as well.

Items[edit]

New Leaf introduces several new items, such as sea creatures that can be donated to the museum, statues that can be donated to the museum as art, wall-mounted furniture, bottoms, socks, and shoes. Additionally, the appearance of furniture can now be customized at Re-Tail.

Miscellaneous[edit]

New Leaf introduces many other new features for the Animal Crossing series, some of the most notable being:

  • Each personality now has its own pitch of Animalese; in previous games, the variants were limited to male, female, and cranky male.
  • The player can now pick the town layout while on the train when the game starts, rather than being assigned a random map.
  • House exteriors can now be customized to reflect various styles.
  • Flowers now drip with water once a watering can has been used on them, allowing the player to know whether they've watered it or not. After this, the flowers that have been watered start to shine.
  • The player can communicate with another player even if they are in a different town.
  • Villagers are now more active in the town environment, being capable of fishing, shaking trees, entering buildings, and more.
  • The player can now choose where they want their house.

Characters[edit]

Special characters[edit]

See also: Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Characters
See also: Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo#amiibo and new villagers

Animal Crossing: New Leaf introduces thirteen new special characters, while only one old special character returns after being absent in both Wild World and City Folk.

New special characters[edit]

Returning special character[edit]

Villagers[edit]

See also: Villager/New Leaf

There are a total of 333 villagers in New Leaf, which is 123 more than Animal Crossing: City Folk. 100 new villagers have been added, 24 have returned after being absent from Wild World and City Folk, and one—Champ—has been removed. Additionally, two new personality types—big sister and smug—and two new villager species—hamster and deer—have been added.

New villagers[edit]

Returning villagers[edit]

24 villagers return from Doubutsu no Mori, Doubutsu no Mori+, Animal Crossing, and the Japan-exclusive Doubutsu no Mori e+. Seven villagers (marked DnMe+ Logo Cutout.png below) initially only appeared in the latter game and receive localized names for the first time. Seven of the returning villagers have their personalities changed.

Release[edit]

Nintendo 2DS bundled with New Leaf.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf was first released on November 8, 2012 in Japan, and in South Korea on February 7, 2013.[1][2] The game was released internationally across June 2013, releasing in North America on June 9, [3] in Europe on June 14, and Australia on June 15, 2013.

Special edition consoles[edit]

Main article: Nintendo 3DS#Animal Crossing models and bundles

A special edition Animal Crossing-themed Nintendo 3DS XL console was released alongside New Leaf in North America, Europe, and Japan, circa 2013. It contained a copy of Animal Crossing: New Leaf pre-installed. A standard red-and-white themed Nintendo 2DS bundled with New Leaf was also released in Europe.

Reception[edit]

Critical reception[edit]

Publication Rating
Famitsu 39/40[20]
GameSpot 8/10[21]
IGN 9.6/10[22]
Metacritic[nb 2] 88%[23]

New Leaf received generally positive reviews and ratings upon release. Its visuals were a key point for praise, with the 3D features well-commended. The more in-depth gameplay and details offered from previous Animal Crossing games were also viewed positively, along with the presence of enough new content to keep the game exciting.

Sales[edit]

In Japan, New Leaf sold over 600,000 copies in its first week,[24] and went on to become the top-selling Nintendo 3DS game in the country at over 2 million units. The game has sold 13.05 million global units as of September 30, 2023, making it the second best-selling game in the Animal Crossing series behind New Horizons.[25]

Update history[edit]

Current Version:
Ver. 1.5 (Released December 8, 2016 in United States of America and Europe)

Animal Crossing: New Leaf was the first game in the Animal Crossing series to receive updates via the Nintendo eShop, which primarily focused on fixing bugs in the game, with the exception of Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo.

Version Changelog
1.5[26]
Japan November 23, 2016
South Korea December 1, 2016[27]
United States of America/Europe December 8, 2016[28]
Official changelog:
  • Fixed a bug that results in error code [004-6006] to be displayed when receiving a present from town hall or from the campground.
  • Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
1.4[26]
Japan/United States of America/Europe November 2, 2016
NLWa Home Menu Icon.png Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo
1.1[26]
Japan/South Korea March 3, 2013[26]
United States of America/Europe June 2013
Isabelle NL Icon.png Initial release for North America and Europe.
Official changelog:
  • Fixed an issue that could cause an error to occur when launching a game
  • Fixed an issue that could result in a error when entering a police station.
  • Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
1.0
Japan November 8, 2012
South Korea February 7, 2013
Isabelle NL Icon.png Initial release for Japan and South Korea

Related media[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf received three tie-in manga in Japan: Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Minna de Seseragi Mura Life, Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori, and Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Harikiri Sonchō Ippē!.

Gallery[edit]

Videos[edit]

Trailers[edit]

E3 2011 Trailer (June 7th, 2011)
2012 Trailer (October 25th, 2012)
2013 Trailer (February 14th, 2013)
Tourism Trailer (April 8th, 2013)
Launch Trailer (June 5th, 2013)
North America TV Commercial (2013)

Music[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf audio tracks

Title Game Track Notes
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Title (E3 2011 Presentation) Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Title (Tokyo Game Show 2011 Presentation) Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Trivia[edit]

  • In the Wii U version of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze , one of Donkey Kong's idle animation sees him pull out a blue Nintendo 3DS XL. Sound effects from one of four games, including Animal Crossing: New Leaf, can be heard. This easter egg does not return in the Nintendo Switch port.

Names in other languages[edit]

Japanese とびだせ どうぶつの森
Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori
Animal Forest: Jump Out

Korean 튀어나와요 동물의 숲
Twieonawayo Dongmul-ui Sup
Animal Forest: Jump Out

German Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

European Spanish Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

European French Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

Italian Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

Notes[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Japanese: とびだせどうぶつの森 Hepburn: Tobidase Doubutsu no MoriAnimal Forest: Jump Out
  2. at an average of 70 reviews

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 sebdu60 (August 28, 2012). "Animal Crossing : Jump Out daté au Japon". Nintendo Master. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. (French)
  2. 2.0 2.1 https://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=69&press_div=P
  3. 3.0 3.1 https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/02-14-2013/
  4. E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS Announced
  5. Nintendo World Report - Animal Crossing: New Leaf
  6. Official Nintendo Magazine - E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS announced
  7. Animal Crossing 3DS - Nintendo Conference 2010
  8. 8.0 8.1 Inside the Treehouse with Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Localizing Animal Crossing (Ep 1)
  9. Animal Crossing 3DS - New Footage 19/1/2011
  10. Nintendo 3DS - Animal Crossing E3 Trailer
  11. Animal Crossing 3DS Trailer (September 13, 2011)
  12. Animal Crossing (3DS) - Developer Roundtable
  13. Animal Crossing Direct (Nintendo 3DS)
  14. Nintendo Direct 10.25.12
  15. Nintendo Direct 2.14.2013
  16. Katsuya Eguchi, Aya Kyogoku. "How to Turn a New Leaf at the Animal Crossing". GDC Vault.
  17. Nintendo Support (October 4, 2023). "Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software". Nintendo Support. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  18. Damien McFerran (July 20, 2016). "Autumn Animal Crossing: New Leaf Update To Bring amiibo Figure And Card Support". Nintendo Life.
  19. Nintendo (November 2, 2016). "Animal Crossing Direct 11.2.2016". YouTube.
  20. Polygon - Japan review check: Animal Crossing, Dynasty Warriors, Silent Hill
  21. GameSpot - Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review
  22. IGN - New Leaf Review
  23. Animal Crossing: New Leaf on Metacritic
  24. GameSpot - Big in Japan November 5-11: Animal Crossing: New Leaf
  25. "IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software". Nintendo.
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/3ds/soft/egdj/update/index.html
  27. https://www.nintendo.co.kr/3DS/software/animal_forest/item/update.html?scorll=1
  28. https://mynintendonews.com/2016/12/08/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-been-updated-to-version-1-5/

External links[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf on other wikis