The firstAnimal Crossinggame 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 thenextAnimal Crossinggamewill be released, it’s certain to attract plenty of attention, particularly after the massive success ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsin 2020.
In contrast, theMariofranchise debuted twenty years beforeAnimal Crossing, beginning withDonkey Kongin 1981. DespiteMarioreigning supreme as Nintendo’s most successful franchise for over 40 years, this doesn’t meanAnimal Crossingcan’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 asMarioand 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, theMariofranchise has delivered hundreds of titles, including spin-offs likeMario Party,Mario Kart,Paper Mario, sports games, educational titles, and mobile games. Featuring two of gaming’s most recognizable faces, theMariofranchise 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 consistentlysuccessful Nintendo’s focus onMariohas been, givingAnimal Crossingthe same level of attention could be beneficial. Counting mainline entries, mobile games, and DLC,Animal Crossinghas fewer than ten entries to its name. The list is as follows:
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Diversify the Animal Crossing Series
Rumors have continued to spread about a new installment ofAnimal Crossing, and with theSwitch 2 releasing on Aug 01, 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 follow-up toAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis 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 severalAnimal Crossingcharacters have already been featured in other Nintendo franchises, likeMario KartandSuper Smash Bros. While spin-offs for the franchise have been limited,Animal Crossing: Pocket Campoffered 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 Campconcluded its servicein November 2024 after seven years.
IfAnimal Crossingwere 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 envisionparty games likeMario Party, 3D platformers likeSuper Mario Odyssey, action-adventure titles likeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and sports games likeMario Tennis Aces. GivenAnimal Crossing’s family-friendly nature, recognizable characters, and distinctive art style, it seems overdue theMariotreatment where bold spin-offs help fill the gaps between traditional mainline releases.
