With the Nintendo Switch 2 now out in the world, many are wondering what exclusive titles may be on the horizon. The Switch 2’s current lineup is looking a little slim despite the console being a major financial success. Many eyes are no doubt on what upcoming announcements Nintendo has under its sleeve. One of the biggest possible announcements is a successor toAnimal Crossing: New Horizons. WithAnimal Crossing: New Horizonstaking the world by storm at launch, a sequel seems like a guarantee.
The ball is in Nintendo’s court to mitigate potentialcritiques surrounding the Switch 2with media-consuming announcements, and an easy way to resolve that is by looking at the calendar. The best possible reveal date for the nextAnimal Crossinggame is quickly approaching, and Nintendo has the unique opportunity to have some fun with it.
K.K. Slider’s Birthday is Coming Up
EveryAnimal Crossingvillager has a birthday, something fans have historically loved to celebrate in-game and outside it, especially with their birthday twins. Some birthdays may be more notable than others, especially if they belong to a notable NPC like Isabelle or Blathers.
K.K. Slider’s birthday is August 23. With that being a couple of months away at the time of this writing, celebrating it seems a given, but celebrating it with the announcement of anewAnimal Crossinggamewould be the best possible gift for the would-be mascot and his fans. Timing is always important, and with the ever-rising popularity of cozy games, there really hasn’t been a better time to announce a newACtitle than right now.
The Case for K.K. Slider To Be The Mascot
While many look towardTom Nook or Isabelle asAnimal Crossing’s official mascot, fans should not overlook K.K. Slider as an official titleholder for the position. Unlike Isabelle, K.K. has been serenading players since the very firstAnimal Crossingtitle launched in 2001. An announcement on August 23 would be a love letter to all theAnimal Crossingplayers who have been here for the journey for as long as they’ve been gaming, embracing a foundational character to propel the franchise forward.
Other Animal Crossing NPC Birthdays Are Far From Ideal For An Announcement
If Nintendo were to wait for anotherAnimal CrossingNPC’s birthdayto announce the next game, it may run into trouble capturing public attention alongside other challenges. Each NPC’s birthday falls on specific dates throughout the year. If those NPCs are mascot-esque figures, however, the seasons and dates for those aren’t favorable for an announcement at all.
Tom Nook’s Birthday: A Missed Opportunity
Nintendo’s window to utilizeTom Nook’s birthdayhas passed, as it was on May 30. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 was launched on June 5, a May 30 announcement could have distracted from the upcoming launch of the system. As such, it made sense not to do it then, but May 30 next year would also miss out on the momentum of the Switch 2.
Isabelle’s Birthday: Too Busy a Season
Nintendo’s other opportunity would naturally be Isabelle’s and Digby’s on December 20, but the holiday season is better for releasing games, not announcing them. Combine this with the proximity to Christmas and The Game Awards that take place a few days later,Isabelle’s birthday would be too busy forAnimal Crossingfans.
Overall, the best time seems to be now.KK Slider’s birthdayhits all the marks that Tom Nook and Isabelle’s don’t, while also capitalizing on the current momentum of the Switch 2. It all remains to be seen, of course, but fans shouldn’t be surprised if it happens. Instead, they should wish KK Slider a happy birthday and keep an eye out for even more news as it develops throughout the year.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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.
