Nintendo is celebrating a major milestone for its popular social simulation franchise, Animal Crossing, as the series marks its 25th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the company shared a special illustration featuring iconic characters like Tom Nook, Isabelle, and K.K. Slider.
Alongside the artwork, Nintendo of America announced that players of the latest title, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, will find a special in-game gift waiting for them by checking their island mailboxes. The franchise first launched in Japan in April 2001 for the Nintendo 64, with an enhanced version later released internationally for the GameCube.
Since its debut, Animal Crossing has grown into a global phenomenon with five mainline installments, various spin-off titles, and even a feature film. The most recent game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released in 2020, has been a massive success for the company. The anniversary celebration highlights the enduring appeal of this cozy gaming series.
