Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Switch 2 – Will Nintendo Finally Remove the Island Limit?

Animal Crossing: New Horizons revolutionized the series by granting players unprecedented freedom to design their own deserted islands. However, a significant limitation has frustrated many players: the one-island-per-save-file restriction. With rumors swirling about a Nintendo Switch 2, could this be the opportunity for Nintendo to finally address this issue?

Unlike previous iterations focused on towns and villages, AC: New Horizons empowered players to shape and decorate their own virtual paradises. The game's potential for creative expression knows no bounds; however, this is quickly hampered by the island limit. The upcoming Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda titles are rumored to support multiple saves, igniting hopes for similar treatment for Animal Crossing.

The Case for Multiple Islands: Animal Crossing thrives on social interaction and real-time gameplay, encouraging daily engagement. The terraforming and customization options introduced in New Horizons elevated the creative possibilities. The restriction to a single island, previously less problematic, now feels like an unnecessary restraint on player creativity.

Players have voiced their frustrations online, seeking workarounds ranging from restarting the game entirely to utilizing multiple game copies and Switch consoles. This highlights the demand for a solution that allows for greater flexibility in island design and management.

A Switch 2 Edition Solution: Allowing multiple towns or islands, either within a single save file or across multiple files, could be a game-changer. Starting with a Switch 2 Edition of AC: New Horizons might be a good move for Nintendo.

The much-anticipated Switch 2 editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are rumored to introduce multiple save slots. AC: New Horizons could follow suit, allowing players to carry over their existing data while starting fresh on a new island. Even bolder, the Switch 2 Edition could allow multiple islands within a single save, accessible perhaps via the Airport.

Why Now is the Perfect Time: Despite launching in 2020 during the pandemic, AC: New Horizons became a global phenomenon. An enhanced Switch 2 edition could give the game a second wind while fans await the next installment in the Animal Crossing franchise. The precedent set by Breath of the Wild, which launched early in the Switch's lifecycle, suggests that New Horizons' age shouldn't be a barrier.

Will Nintendo finally address this long-standing request? A Switch 2 edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons could be the perfect opportunity to unlock even greater creative potential and revitalize the game for a new generation of players.

What do you think? Would you like to see multiple island support in Animal Crossing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Animal Crossing
• New Horizons
• Nintendo Switch 2