Animal Crossing: New Horizons Marks 5 Years as a Pandemic-Era Gaming Icon

The Nintendo Switch title, released during the early days of COVID-19, became a cultural phenomenon and the second-best-selling game on the platform.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched on March 20, 2020, offering players a virtual escape and social connection during global lockdowns.
The game sold over 43 million copies by late 2024, making it the second-best-selling Nintendo Switch game behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Its innovative multiplayer features enabled social interactions despite Nintendo's restrictive friend code system, fostering unique online communities.
The turnip trading system introduced a playful virtual economy, reflecting real-world financial behaviors and becoming a central activity for players.
Major updates ceased in late 2021 with the release of version 2.0 and the Happy Home Paradise DLC, solidifying its legacy as a pandemic-era cultural milestone.