When The Next Animal Crossing Game Is Rumored To Release

was released on the Switch over four years ago to massive success during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, no official news has been confirmed by Nintendo about a new mainline game. However, it does seem likely that the next game will be released alongside the Switch 2, and thankfully, Nintendo has confirmed that its next console is coming within the next year or two.

Since last received an update in late 2021 – its 2.0 version alongside the DLC – the community has been eager for any news on the next entry in the series. Rumors circulating online have given some insight into what fans can expect regarding features and gameplay in the next game. These new features could include expanded multiplayer modes, bigger cities for players to explore, and an entire shopping mall.

Nintendo finally breaks its silence regarding the Switch's successor, confirming that the console will be unveiled before the end of the fiscal year.

Since the life cycle of the Switch is winding down, Nintendo has confirmed that the next console will be announced prior to the end of this fiscal year. Since every console needs games to launch alongside it, a Switch 2 release date could mean a new release date as well. The last performed exceptionally well, as is the second best-selling game on the Switch.

The current fiscal year ends March 31, 2025.

It would make sense for Nintendo to continue the series' success with another mainline game sooner rather than later. Historically, games have had about three to four years in between releases. The longest stretch was between the two most recent games, 2012’s and 2020’s. If it can be reasonably expected that the Switch 2 will come out in 2026 or later, that would line up nicely with the development cycle of another game to debut as a day-one console release.

Leaks online have claimed that the next installment in the series will be an “” version, per NWeedle on X (formerly Twitter; via ) and include driveable vehicles, cities with