Nintendo’s recent patent filing has sparked excitement among Animal Crossing fans, as it suggests a potential new feature for the next installment in the beloved series. Animal Crossing gained immense popularity with the release of New Horizons during the pandemic, and now, five years later, the anticipation for its successor is palpable, especially with a new Nintendo console on the horizon.
While Nintendo hasn’t officially announced a new Animal Crossing game yet, the company has been tight-lipped about its plans for titles on the upcoming Switch 2, with only a new Mario Kart confirmed so far. As more information on the Switch 2 is expected in the coming months, this patent might provide a sneak peek into what fans can expect from future Animal Crossing adventures.
The patent describes a dynamic, in-game newspaper detailing various island events reminiscent of the lively happenings in Animal Crossing. The illustrations in the patent showcase an “Island Newspaper” highlighting events like Halloween parties, meteor showers, insect-catching triumphs, completed DIY projects, and the inauguration of a museum, all of which sound like familiar and beloved features from the franchise.
Originally filed in 2024 and recently made public in 2025, the patent refers to aspects that seem directly aligned with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Yet, there’s no certainty that this feature will see the light of day. Nintendo, like many companies, files numerous patents that sometimes never materialize into actual products. There’s also the chance that this newspaper concept could be intended for a different game entirely, using Animal Crossing merely as a reference point.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding this specific feature, one thing is almost certain: a new Animal Crossing game is on the way. Given the massive success of New Horizons, both commercially and critically, it’s quite safe to say that Nintendo is already thinking ahead to how they can expand upon the series with the capabilities of the Switch 2. So, fans of the series can rest assured that sooner or later, they’ll be diving back into their charming virtual worlds.
