Since its debut on the GameCube in 2001,Animal Crossinghas become a cornerstone of the life simulation genre. With its charming world where players can effortlessly create their own cozy environments, it’s clear why the series is so beloved. However, some fans are understandably disappointed with the recent announcement thatAnimal Crossing: Pocket Campwill shut down servicein November.
Although it’s reasonable that Nintendo can’t support a game indefinitely, especially one released in 2017, the news is still heartbreaking for dedicated players. As a free-to-play, portable option, and the series' only mobile entry,Pocket Campestablished itself as one of the bestAnimal Crossinggames. However, despite the disheartening news, there may still be a silver lining ahead.
Pocket Camp’s End Could Signal Good News for the Next Animal Crossing Title
Pocket Camp’s Closure May Be a Strategic Move by Nintendo
Amid rumors swirling thatNintendo is working on a newAnimal Crossinginstallment, speculation points to a follow-up toNew Horizonspossibly launching on the company’s next-gen console around 2026. Tentatively called the ‘Nintendo Switch 2,’ this successor is expected to feature several popular and exclusive titles at launch. Though there has been no confirmation, this could potentially include a new mainlineAnimal Crossinggame.
Given this context, it’s plausible that the timing ofPocket Camp’s closure was strategically planned. By scaling back support forPocket Camp, Nintendo may be reallocating resources and focus on the development of this major entry. Due to the high expectations set by thetremendous success ofNew Horizons, this shift could be crucial in ensuring that the new title receives the full support it needs to resonate with fans and make a significant impact when it releases.
With speculation that thenextAnimal Crossinggame might aim for ambitious themes, such as outer space or underwater settings, the possibilities appear limitless. Still, despite Nintendo’s proven track record, the series' increasing popularity emphasizes the importance of a successful launch. This achievement will hinge not only on a strong debut but also on robust post-launch support and engaging events to maintain player interest and excitement long after the release.
There’s Still Some Good News for Pocket Camp Players
Even though some players have criticized Nintendo for continuing to release paid items inPocket Campdespite the game’s service ending on November 29, it’s not all bad news for the community. While support forPocket Campwill cease in a few months, Nintendo is offering players the opportunity to transfer their save data to a new, offline-only version of the app. According to theFAQ on Nintendo’s official website, “In addition to sava-data transfer, the basic gameplay and controls will be the same asAnimal Crossing: Pocket Camp. However, this app will allow the player to use the included features with a one-time purchase.”
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp’s online service ends on July 06, 2025, at 3:00 PM UTC. Further details will be released in October 2024.
Notably, the offline version will not support online functionalities such as:
Although the offline version of the app will have some differences from the original, it remains a worthwhile option. For a one-time payment, players can keep their saved progress and preserve their collections. Moreover, given fans' demand for an offline version that closely mirrors the online experience, even with some core features missing, there’s hope thatNintendo will ensure players can still enjoy meaningful experiencesin this new version.
