In an intriguing development, Nintendo has filed a patent that might unveil an exciting new feature for the upcoming Animal Crossing game. Nintendo’s Animal Crossing series has been a massive hit, especially when Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years have passed since that release, and with Nintendo gearing up for a new console launch, the buzz about the next installment in this beloved franchise is building.
As of now, Nintendo hasn’t officially announced a new Animal Crossing game. The company has generally remained tight-lipped about its game lineup for the rumored Switch 2, only confirming a new Mario Kart at this point. While we wait for Nintendo to share more details about the Switch 2, a recently surfaced patent offers possible insights into what’s brewing for the future of Animal Crossing.
Nintendo’s patent outlines a system for generating a newspaper based on in-game events, with a sample image that unmistakably alludes to Animal Crossing. The concept showcases an Island Newspaper, reporting headlines about upcoming Halloween festivities and summarizing various in-game happenings over the previous virtual weeks. Events mentioned include the appearance of shooting stars, the catching of insects, the completion of a DIY project, and the construction of a museum, among others.
While the example in the patent seems tied to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it was originally filed in 2024 and just recently released in 2025. This timing suggests that Nintendo might integrate this feature into the new Animal Crossing game for the Switch 2. However, there’s also a possibility that it may never see the light of day or could even appear in a different game altogether. Companies often file patents that don’t inevitably translate into actual products, so it’s wise for fans to manage their expectations regarding this potential newspaper feature in the next Animal Crossing.
Although details about the next Animal Crossing game remain under wraps, a new entry in the series seems certain. Animal Crossing: New Horizons was a phenomenal commercial success and garnered widespread critical acclaim. It’s a game that continues to capture players’ hearts daily, so a subsequent Animal Crossing on the Switch 2 is surely on the horizon, even if it’s just a matter of time.
