Fans of the beloved Animal Crossing series might not have to wait much longer for news about the next installment. According to recent rumors, Nintendo could announce a new Animal Crossing game during a Nintendo Direct presentation scheduled for July 2025. While the company has remained tight-lipped about the franchise's future, speculation is growing that a reveal is imminent.

Since the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020, players have been eagerly awaiting the next entry in the cozy life simulation series. With over 46 million copies sold, New Horizons remains one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch. Historically, new Animal Crossing titles have been released every three to five years, making the timing for a new game plausible.

Industry insider Wood Hawker, speaking on the Nontendo Podcast, suggested that the upcoming Nintendo Direct will feature the announcement of a new Animal Crossing game with a projected 2026 release. Given Nintendo’s pattern of releasing major franchise titles a year after a new console launch, this timeline aligns with expectations for the Switch 2.

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However, Hawker did not disclose his sources, leaving some room for skepticism. Nintendo has not confirmed any plans for a new Animal Crossing game, and fans will have to wait for official announcements to know for sure.

In addition to Animal Crossing, the rumored July Direct may also include updates on other highly anticipated Nintendo titles, such as Metroid Prime 4, which is expected to receive a confirmed release date. With June coming to an end, fans won’t have to wait much longer to see if these rumors hold any truth.