Five years ago today, Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched — and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Releasing just as the world went into lockdown, this gentle island life simulator became a cultural phenomenon that transcended gaming.
A Game That Changed Everything
New Horizons wasn’t just a game in 2020 — it was a lifeline. When people couldn’t see friends and family in person, they gathered on each other’s islands. Wedding ceremonies, birthday parties, graduation celebrations, memorial services — all held in Animal Crossing. It was a reminder that games can be so much more than entertainment.
The Numbers
New Horizons went on to sell over 44 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games of all time and the second best-selling Switch game behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It sold 13 million copies in its first six weeks alone — numbers that even Nintendo didn’t anticipate.
The Legacy
Five years later, islands around the world are still thriving. The 2.0 update and Happy Home Paradise DLC added enormous amounts of content. The terraforming and decoration tools inspired incredible creativity — some of the islands people have built are genuinely jaw-dropping works of art.
Whether you’re a day-one player or you’re just discovering it now, there’s never a bad time to start your island life. Shop our Animal Crossing collection.
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