Animal Crossing fans are on the verge of what could be the most exciting announcement yet: the successor to Animal Crossing: New Horizons coming to the Switch 2. The path is clear, the timelines line up, and it’s been half a decade since a new Animal Crossing game has appeared on gamers’ screens worldwide. The downside to all this excitement is that there’s no telling when the follow-up to 2020’s pandemic-hit game will be announced.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup gradually adding major titles, it seems like an Animal Crossing announcement could happen at any moment. However, during this waiting period, many fans might lose enthusiasm or hope. Instead of falling into cycles of getting hopes up, waiting, and then feeling disappointed by the lack of news, Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans can pass the time with another game. While many cozy gaming titles have appeared since New Horizons launched, revisiting earlier entries in the franchise might be just what’s needed to regain some momentum lost in the wait.
Even Without a New Animal Crossing, Switch 2 Owners Are Spoiled for Choice
Although a new Animal Crossing game probably won't be released anytime soon, there are plenty of other titles on Switch 2 that scratch the same itch.
Animal Crossing: City Folk Was Crucial for a Change in the Animal Crossing Formula
The original Animal Crossing and Wild World shared a similar structure: a human avatar arrives in a small town inhabited by a diverse cast of villagers with unique personalities, who cyclically move in and out. However, City Folk dared to be a little different.
A quick bus ride in City Folk would take players to something similar to a small-town square: filled with shops, events, and rare Animal Crossing NPCs that bring this little city to life. While City Folk received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike, it was an important step for the franchise. It was the first game in the series to imagine a mainline Animal Crossing as something that could break the mold of traditional small-town life, with a key feature that made the game stand out. Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans can thank Animal Crossing: City Folk for being the first title in the franchise to dare remix the usual formula. Animal Crossing: City Folk is an important addition to the AC family. And luckily, fans willing to give the title a try or revisit can experience it through a new lens.
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Animal Crossing: City Folk Deluxe Gives Animal Crossing: City Folk a New Life
For over a decade, Animal Crossing: City Folk has been the quiet middle child of the series. It might have been fondly remembered, but it was often overshadowed by titles like New Leaf and its player-mayor. But thanks to an ambitious and lovingly made fan project, that’s about to change.
Animal Crossing: City Folk Deluxe is a comprehensive mod made by over a dozen talented individuals that reimagines the game from the ground up, adding new events, features, and even complete visual overhauls that breathe new life into the Wii classic. Below are some of the most notable features from this mod.
Restored and Added Content
City Folk Deluxe turns the game into a treasure trove of content: some returning, some entirely new. Whether a player downloads the mods to find their favorite villagers, long-lost items, or simply for brand-new surprises, this mod makes Animal Crossing: City Folk feel rich, full, and endlessly replayable. It doesn’t just restore, it reinvents.
- 239 villagers from other Animal Crossing titles return and are added to the villager roster. Some of these additions include New Horizon’s most popular villagers, like Sasha and Raymond.
- All 94 officially distributed items in City Folk (including unreleased ones) are now accessible.
- 40+ unused items have been restored, and 35+ original items have been added.
- Animal Crossing’s seasonal events and holidays are now available regardless of player region.
- Forgeries are visually distinct, helping players spot the fake artwork from Redd.
Gameplay Improvements & Balance Tweaks
City Folk Deluxe isn’t just about what’s new. It’s about what works best for the platform. From smarter item balancing to more inclusive character creation, this mod smooths out the game’s rougher edges while bringing in modern comforts. Subtle changes to item availability and online systems help the game feel less random and more rewarding over time. Beyond just new stuff, City Folk Deluxe smooths out frustrating systems and freshens up the game’s economy.
- Gamers can now play through the year 2099.
- Online play is back through Wiimmfi and WiiLink, third-party software that enables users to play online after the Wii U and 3DS Online services were shut down.
- Player villagers can choose their skin tone during character creation, similar to New Horizon’s character creator.
- K.K. Songs and occasional pieces of fruit are now sold at Tom Nook's store.
- The Able Sisters now offer a broader selection of purchasable items.
Villager Behavior Improvements
City Folk Deluxe brings a town’s residents to life in more dynamic and meaningful ways. Animal Crossing villagers now reflect their hobbies and personalities through actions that make the world feel more responsive, from little in-home details to full-blown events. Special visitors also behave more predictably, so fan-favorite characters don’t get lost in the shuffle.
- Villagers with the gardening hobby decorate their homes with flowers.
- Villagers with the fossil hobby sometimes host treasure hunts.
- Rare and special NPCs will arrive at town more reliably and predictably.
- Animal Crossing’s Gulliver will now always appear on his scheduled day.
- Phineas and Wendell show up more reliably.
- Resetti’s appearance can be toggled on or off.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- March 20, 2020
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
