Nintendo has recently stirred up excitement by filing a new patent that might just offer a sneak peek into a potential feature for an upcoming Animal Crossing game. Fans of the series will remember how Animal Crossing reached new heights of popularity with the release of New Horizons during the pandemic. It’s been five whole years since then, and with a new Nintendo console on the horizon, whispers of what’s next are only growing louder.
At present, Nintendo hasn’t officially announced a new Animal Crossing title. The company has been pretty tight-lipped about its lineup for the upcoming Switch 2, only going as far as confirming a new Mario Kart. However, it’s reasonable to expect more details to emerge in the months ahead. In the meantime, this recent patent filing might just be giving us a glimpse into Nintendo’s vision for the beloved franchise’s future.
The patent in question outlines a concept for a newspaper within the game, detailing various events occurring on the player’s island. For instance, the document shows mock-up images of an “Island Newspaper” that alerts players to upcoming events like Halloween and gives a rundown of activities like starry nights, bug catching, and new museum exhibits.
Interestingly, the examples in the patent seem closely tied to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, filed back in 2024 and only now coming to light in 2025. So, it’s possible that Nintendo intends to incorporate this feature into a future Animal Crossing installment for the new console. Alternatively, the patent might end up unused or be applied to a different game entirely. Companies often secure patents without ever implementing the ideas, so fans should temper their expectations until official announcements are made.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding specific features, the arrival of a new Animal Crossing game is almost guaranteed. Given the massive success of New Horizons, both in terms of sales and critical reception, a sequel for the upcoming Switch 2 seems more a question of “when” rather than “if.” Players across the globe continue to engage with New Horizons daily, highlighting the series’ enduring appeal.
So while we wait for official word, the possibilities are intriguing. Whether or not this newspaper concept makes it into the final cut, there’s plenty of excitement to be had for the next chapter of Animal Crossing on an all-new console platform.
