The Animal Crossing: New Horizons branded Switch did its best to break the internet today. It’s fair to say the online reaction was rabid. Animal Crossing is a beloved franchise, with a loyal fan-base that has been waiting a long time for the latest iteration of the series. The special edition console, from the marketing photos shared by Nintendo, show off a much more comprehensive branding treatment than previous video game tie-ins. The sometimes cheap-feeling vinyl transfer imagery has been replaced by a seemingly etched backplate, which sports Animal Crossing iconography.
The pastel shades of blue and green make their way onto the Joy-Cons, whilst that loan shark Tom Nook steals center stage on the outside edge of the dock. This isn’t the first time a Nintendo title has got the branding treatment. It wasn’t that long ago that Pokemon Sword and Shield had a similar outing, but this version certainly seems like the best finish so far from Nintendo. Bringing a new version to market is a sensible decision for Nintendo, after all, they’re in the money-making business.
A #NintendoSwitch system inspired by #AnimalCrossing: New Horizons is on the way! With unique Joy-Con controllers, a custom design on the back, and a special Nintendo Switch dock, it’s the perfect way to start your island life. Available 3/13 for $299.99.https://t.co/MC5dJ11F3U pic.twitter.com/VigTPi4NDB
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 31, 2020
As much as there is certainly a market for it, many will have the same problem. They love the design of this new version but don’t actually need a new console. It’s a conundrum that could be solved by trading your old one in, but that’s a hassle. Fortunately, Nintendo might have a surprising, but welcome, solution.
Picked up by Nintendo Life, following reports on Twitter, the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch dock and Joy-Cons have been spotted as a separate purchase item on the Japanese Nintendo website. No news yet on whether this will be region-locked or whether Nintendo has plans to bring the Animal Crossing accessories to Western markets, but this early sighting is positive. The cost of the Joy-Con bundle, transferred from Yen at the current exchange rate is around £60 or $75. The dock is priced at around £45 or $60. You can’t currently place an order through the Japanese site but you can pre-order them from the 8th of February.
Is this money-saving alternative an option you’ll gladly take Nintendo up on? If they don’t come to the West will you be splurging to import these? Let us know in the comments below as well as what other Nintendo titles you’d like to see get a bespoke Switch overhaul.
As for Animal Crossing: New Horizons itself, the latest entry in the series will arrive on Switch on March 20, 2020.
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