The first Animal Crossing game launched in Japan in April 2001, meaning the franchise recently passed its 24th anniversary. As Nintendo’s sixth best-selling IP, the animal-centric simulation series doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Furthermore, while there’s no word on when the next Animal Crossing game will be released, it’s certain to attract plenty of attention, particularly after the massive success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020.
In contrast, the Mario franchise debuted twenty years before Animal Crossing, beginning with Donkey Kong in 1981. Despite Mario reigning supreme as Nintendo’s most successful franchise for over 40 years, this doesn’t mean Animal Crossing can’t receive the same level of care and support. In particular, it’s time that Nintendo gave its adorable social simulation series the same treatment as Mario and expanded into different genres via unique spin-offs.
Nintendo Has a Major Opportunity to Seize with Animal Crossing
Mario's Video Game Presence Throughout the Years
Over the years, the Mario franchise has delivered hundreds of titles, including spin-offs like Mario Party, Mario Kart, Paper Mario, sports games, educational titles, and mobile games. Featuring two of gaming’s most recognizable faces, the Mario franchise has sold over 900 million units as of June 2024, according to the Video Game Sales wiki. Mario himself has appeared in over 250 games of various genres.
Given how consistently successful Nintendo’s focus on Mario has been, giving Animal Crossing the same level of attention could be beneficial. Counting mainline entries, mobile games, and DLC, Animal Crossing has fewer than ten entries to its name. The list is as s:
- Animal Crossing (2001)
- Animal Crossing: Wild World (2005)
- Animal Crossing: City Folk (2008)
- Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012)
- Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer (2015)
- Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival (2015)
- Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (2017)
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise (2021)
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Diversify the Animal Crossing Series
Rumors have continued to spread about a new installment of Animal Crossing, and with the Switch 2 releasing on June 5, 2025, the perfect time for Nintendo to expand the series into new directions is approaching. While there’s speculation that a new simulation game could arrive on the Switch 2 down the line, Nintendo has yet to confirm whether a -up to Animal Crossing: New Horizons is in development. Regardless, fans would likely be thrilled to see the series return in any capacity, especially if it’s a bold attempt to branch into new genres.
It’s worth noting that several Animal Crossing characters have already been featured in other Nintendo franchises, like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. While spin-offs for the franchise have been limited, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp offered a free-to-play mobile adaptation where players could manage a campsite, befriend animal characters, and customize their surroundings. Despite its unique charm and loyal community, Pocket Camp concluded its service in November 2024 after seven years.
If Animal Crossing were to delve into other genres, games featuring its beloved cast of characters like Tom Nook, Isabelle, and Brewster would likely capture much interest. It’s possinle to envision party games like Mario Party, 3D platformers like Super Mario Odyssey, action-adventure titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and sports games like Mario Tennis Aces. Given Animal Crossing‘s family-friendly nature, recognizable characters, and distinctive art style, it seems overdue the Mario treatment where bold spin-offs help fill the gaps between traditional mainline releases.
