A new patent from Nintendo might just be hinting at an intriguing feature for the next Animal Crossing installment. As fans might recall, Animal Crossing skyrocketed in popularity during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since we first explored our virtual islands. With a new Nintendo console on the horizon, we could be hearing more about the next chapter in this beloved series sooner than we think.
Currently, there’s no official announcement from Nintendo about another Animal Crossing game. The company has been notably tight-lipped about the game lineup for the anticipated Switch 2, revealing only that a new Mario Kart is part of the roster. More details about the Switch 2 are expected to emerge over time. Meanwhile, this recent patent suggests what could be in store for future games, including Animal Crossing.
In a curious move, Nintendo recently patented a feature that depicts a newspaper generated by in-game occurrences, with visuals clearly aligned with Animal Crossing. The patent illustrates an Island Newspaper featuring stories about upcoming Halloween events and recaps from previous in-game weeks, such as shooting star sightings, bug catches, construction of DIY projects, museum developments, and more.
This intriguing patent gives a nod toward a potential newspaper feature for Animal Crossing, which could create a delightful new layer of engagement. Although the patent filing traces back to 2024 and was only published in 2025, it’s based on concepts from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Whether Nintendo plans to implement this for a new game on the Switch 2 remains to be seen. Of course, sometimes patents are simply exercises in creativity rather than definitive plans—the Animal Crossing context might just serve as a convenient example. Companies often file numerous patents without integrating them into end products, so it’s wise for fans to remain measured in their excitement about such features.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the details of the next Animal Crossing game, its arrival feels inevitable. Given the substantial commercial success and the ongoing devotion from its fanbase, an Animal Crossing title on the Switch 2 is less about speculation and more about timing. New Horizons continues to captivate players, proof that this charming series still has plenty of life left in it.
