Animal Crossing Enters a New Chapter Today

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, the beloved mobile game, has officially taken its last bow. Fans of the series, though, do have something to anticipate, as the franchise isn’t disappearing completely. Come December 3, 2024, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is set to debut on mobile devices, offering a fresh yet familiar experience.

Since its 2017 launch on iOS and Android, Pocket Camp has invited players to manage their own charming campsite, echoing the series’ well-loved social simulation traits. The game’s simple premise of decorating and customizing kept users engaged, leading to over $250 million in revenue from in-app purchases by late 2021. It became Nintendo’s second top-grossing mobile game. Despite its success and heartfelt community, Nintendo decided to close the chapter on Pocket Camp on November 28. Players, feeling the nostalgia, have been backing up data and preparing for their last goodbyes.

While this is a moment of closure, there’s a promising horizon ahead. The launch of Pocket Camp Complete marks a new era. Players can import their saved data from the original game by linking their account, bringing over their outfits, designs, and accumulated items, although Leaf Tickets won’t transfer. This chance, however, is sadly not available to those who didn’t connect their data to their Nintendo Account before the shutdown.

Switching gears, the new edition of Pocket Camp is not going to be a free ride like its predecessor. Initially priced at a reasonable $9.99 until the end of January 2025, this all-access game will see its cost rise to $19.99 thereafter. Interestingly, it will operate completely offline, with a treasure trove of more than 10,000 items to collect. Seasonal events still feature prominently, ensuring that the spirit of community and creativity continues without the need for microtransactions. Among the new features, players can now interact with others using in-game QR codes, and tap into the musical vibe of Whistle Pass with live guitar performances. Nintendo has committed to introducing new items and events until September 2025 at the very least.

While fans are certainly thrilled about this comeback, attention is also turning toward the future of the franchise. Following the 2020 Switch release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and its impressive sales of 45 million copies, the community is buzzing with speculation about what the subsequent mainline game will offer. Nevertheless, it’s a time to reflect on how Pocket Camp brightened the past few years for so many fans, even as it bows out.

As Nintendo unravels the next chapter with Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete, players can look forward to immersing themselves in the series’ signature blend of adventure and life simulation, cherishing their virtual escapades and quirky animal friendships. Whether you’re a returning camper or new to the fold, there’s a delightful world awaiting, filled with creativity, exploration, and joy.