Animal Crossing: New Horizons Celebrates Five Years as Nintendo Switch’s Second Best-Selling Game

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Marks Five Years as a Cultural and Commercial Phenomenon on Nintendo Switch When Nintendo launched Animal Crossing: New Horizons on March 20, 2020, it released more than just another entry in its beloved life-sim series.

Arriving at the dawn of global COVID-19 lockdowns, New Horizons quickly became not only a best-seller but also a cultural touchstone for millions of players seeking connection and creativity while staying at home.

Five years on, Animal Crossing: New Horizons stands as the second best-selling title on the Nintendo Switch, surpassed only by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with a staggering 47.77 million copies sold as of Nintendo’s latest sales figures. The franchise had already earned its place in Nintendo history, with Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Animal Crossing: Wild World ranking among the top ten best-selling games for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS, respectively.

However, New Horizons rapidly outperformed all previous entries, outselling them within its first six weeks on the market.

The unique timing of its release, paired with robust online features and expansive customization options, propelled New Horizons beyond its predecessors and into the mainstream spotlight. Industry commentators and Nintendo executives alike have acknowledged how New Horizons transcended its status as a video game.

During the early months of the pandemic, the game became an online gathering place not just for friends and families, but even for celebrities and organizations.

Notable public figures like Brie Larson, Elijah Wood, Stephen Fry, and Sting joined the island-building fun, while in an unprecedented move, the Biden presidential campaign established its own official in-game island during the 2020 US election season. New Horizons also fostered a tremendous culture of creativity, with players around the world faithfully recreating global landmarks and beloved scenes from other games, including hits like Stardew Valley and Resident Evil.

The title’s runaway popularity led to high-profile collaborations with brands such as Sanrio, Puma, and Uniqlo, as well as a line of LEGO sets and limited-edition Nintendo Switch models. Nintendo offered seasonal updates and the major Happy Home Paradise DLC, but support for new content tapered off by 2022.

Despite continued merchandise releases and themed events, no additional expansions or significant gameplay updates have arrived since.

Analysts and dedicated fans suggest that the franchise’s massive footprint means its future is bright, with anticipation that Nintendo’s next hardware iteration—often referred to as Switch 2—could build on the series’ momentum. As Animal Crossing: New Horizons celebrates this milestone anniversary, players are reminded of the joy, community, and creativity that fueled its rise to the top of the eShop charts.

For many, now is the perfect time to revisit their virtual islands, catch up with old neighbors, and remember how a game about simple living helped millions navigate extraordinary times. What are your lasting memories from the last five years with Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Share your stories and reflections with the community.

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