The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 Direct finally delivered a detailed look at the next-gen console, from hardware specs to a packed lineup of upcoming games. But while many fans came away excited, others—particularly fans of Nintendo’s cozier franchises—felt a little let down. Chief among the disappointments was the complete absence of Animal Crossing, one of Nintendo’s most beloved and successful series. Given that it’s been five years since the launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, many assumed a new entry might be revealed at the Switch 2 showcase. Which would have made perfect sense—New Horizons was a major system-seller for the original Switch and remains a cultural touchstone. Yet Nintendo didn’t mention the franchise at all, not even to announce an upgraded version of New Horizons for the new hardware.
