Nintendo Patent Could Unveil New Feature for Upcoming Animal Crossing Game

There’s chatter about an intriguing new feature possibly in the pipeline for the next installment of Animal Crossing, sparked by a recent Nintendo patent. Many remember the massive success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which became a cherished escape during the pandemic. Now, five years since its release, anticipation brews, especially with a fresh Nintendo console on its way. It’s easy to speculate that details about the next chapter in the Animal Crossing saga could surface soon.

While Nintendo has yet to officially announce a new Animal Crossing game, the silence surrounding their next console, affectionately referred to as Switch 2, adds to the suspense. So far, only a new Mario Kart game has been confirmed for the system, leaving plenty of room for speculation about other titles. In the meantime, a recent patent filed by Nintendo could provide a sneak peek into what’s possibly planned for the beloved series.

The patent introduces the concept of a game-integrated newspaper, showcasing headlines and stories about various in-game events. The example imagery clearly nods to Animal Crossing, depicting an Island Newspaper with updates about Halloween festivities, stargazing opportunities, insect-catching adventures, completed DIY projects, museum developments, and more.

This patent, with its origins dating back to 2024 but published in 2025, might suggest a feature for the anticipated Switch 2 Animal Crossing game. However, as with many patents, there’s no guarantee it will be utilized. There’s always the possibility it could appear in a completely different project, or that it might remain a mere concept. Companies routinely file patents that never make it to market, so while the potential of a newspaper feature excites fans, it’s wise to temper expectations.

Regardless of whether this patent becomes reality, the inevitable arrival of a new Animal Crossing title is something fans can count on. New Horizons was a blockbuster, both commercially and critically, and its enduring popularity keeps players engaged daily. An Animal Crossing game on the Switch 2 seems more like a certainty than a possibility—it’s just a matter of timing.