New Horizons’ DLC Was Great, But One Spin-Off Deserves a Sequel

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has continued to bring a cozy life sim experience to players since its launch back in 2020. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is quickly coming up on its fifth anniversary, marking a big milestone. Although New Horizons has been a fun pastime for many, fans are eager to find out what Nintendo has in store next for the series.

A new Animal Crossing game feels more possible than ever right now. With the first official reveal of the Switch 2 last month, Nintendo could be gearing up for some major announcements that confirm launch titles for the console. Animal Crossing feels destined for the Switch 2, and while a new chapter is highly possible, a fresh entry may benefit from subverting expectations. New Horizons has had only one expansion, the Happy Home Paradise DLC. This was a strong piece of post-launch content, but it’s the spiritual successor to 2015’s Happy Home Designer. If the Switch 2 introduces a new Animal Crossing entry, a sequel to Happy Home Designer may be perfect.

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An old Animal Crossing title once tried to stray from the franchise’s usual formula with little success, but perhaps it’s time to revisit its concept.

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer Deserves a Larger Sequel

A Spin-Off That Never Made it to the Switch

• Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer launched on the Nintendo 3DS.

Happy Home Designer is currently bound to a single platform. This spin-off was a charming addition to the Nintendo 3DS, but the impending arrival of the Switch 2 could make way for an even better version of the game to shine. Granted, New Horizons‘ Happy Home Paradise was a great take on the spin-off’s formula, but a full-blown sequel could have even more fun with the concept.

The Switch 2 Could Expand the Scope of a Home Designer Sequel

• Different locations
• Brand-new furniture and decorations
• More building variety
• Potential multiplayer mode

Since it was confined to the hardware of the Nintendo 3DS, Happy Home Designer was fun, but it has yet to reach its full potential. A sequel on the Switch 2 could allow players to build even bigger with a much larger array of furniture and decorations in order to help craft the perfect home for NPCs. Happy Home Designer and the Happy Home Paradise DLC offered great ways for players to exercise their creativity, and seeing that expanded upon with the specs of the Switch 2 behind it would be quite exciting.

Taking Full Advantage of a Rumored Animal Crossing Feature

There have been plenty of rumors swirling around about what the next Animal Crossing game could feature. One of these rumored upgrades is enhanced multiplayer. A more collaborative multiplayer experience could be really fun if brought into a Happy Home Designer type of gameplay. Building homes for NPCs with friends has the potential to be a hit among the Animal Crossing fan base, especially those who find home customizing the most enjoyable part of the series.

The Switch 2’s Upcoming Event May Bring Animal Crossing News

• Nintendo has confirmed an official Direct Event centered around the Switch 2.
• The broadcast airs on April 2, at 9am ET.
• The Switch 2 will launch in 2025.

This upcoming Nintendo Direct showcase could lift the veil on the Switch 2’s planned launch titles. A New Horizons follow-up hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s at least a possibility. Only time will, but a fresh Animal Crossing game will hopefully be on the Switch 2 launch roster, even if it isn’t a Happy Home Designer sequel.

After the Nintendo Direct broadcast, the company is hosting Switch 2 Experiences around the world that offer hands-on previews of the console. As April draws closer, it will be fascinating to see what games are announced for the Switch 2.

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March 20, 2020

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E for Everyone: Comic Mischief

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