A recent filing by Nintendo suggests a potential new twist for the next installment in the Animal Crossing series. During the pandemic, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became wildly popular, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Believe it or not, it’s already been five years since its release! With a new Nintendo console on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for their favorite virtual island getaway.
As of this moment, Nintendo hasn’t officially announced the next Animal Crossing game. In fact, they’ve been quite tight-lipped regarding the Switch 2 lineup, only going so far as to confirm a new Mario Kart release for the upcoming console. However, the company is expected to share more details about the Switch 2 and its games in the coming months. Meanwhile, a newly uncovered patent gives a tantalizing glimpse of what could be planned for future Animal Crossing adventures.
So, what’s all the buzz about? Well, Nintendo recently patented a concept for a newspaper-style feature that adapts to the game’s events. The illustrated example in the patent clearly nods towards Animal Crossing, showcasing an Island Newspaper. This paper is full of engaging content such as a Halloween celebration announcement and highlights from recent in-game activities like catching shooting stars, crafting DIY creations, and museum exhibitions.
Interestingly, the patent aligns closely with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, even though it was originally filed back in 2024 and publicly revealed in 2025. While it’s totally plausible that such a feature could be integrated into the next Animal Crossing chapter planned for the Switch 2, there’s always the chance it might not see the light of day. Patents sometimes serve merely as ideas that never manifest, or they may even be used in projects entirely separate from their initial inspiration. It’s wise to hold off on getting too excited until there’s an official confirmation from Nintendo.
However, fans can be sure of one thing: the long-standing Animal Crossing series won’t stop here. Given the monumental success of New Horizons, coupled with its enduring popularity and critical praise, a new entry on the Switch 2 seems like a matter of “when,” not “if.” So, while details remain scarce, the prospect of what’s next is thrilling for fans of this charming franchise.
