Animal Crossing Reaches the End of an Era Today

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp recently bade farewell to its players, marking the end of its popular run in the mobile gaming world. Though the game is no longer active, fans need not despair as there’s exciting news on the horizon for 2025.

Initially launched in 2017 for both iOS and Android, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp brought the beloved social simulation vibes of the franchise right to mobile devices. It offered a cozy haven where players could manage their own campsite and customize their surroundings. This venture proved quite lucrative, raking in over $250 million through in-app purchases by late 2021, ranking it as Nintendo’s second-best mobile success story. Its charming characters and inviting ambiance captivated many, making the closure announcement on November 28, Thanksgiving Day, a heartfelt moment for its devoted community.

While the shutdown might leave a void, it isn’t all gloom and doom. December 3, 2024, will see the debut of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete on mobile platforms. This new version allows fans to transfer their cherished memories by using their existing Pocket Camp accounts, letting them carry over their styles, campsite layouts, friendships, and Bells, though the beloved Leaf Tickets won’t make the cut. Those who missed linking their Nintendo Account before the service’s closure, unfortunately, won’t have this opportunity.

Now for some details: unlike its predecessor, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete will come with a one-time fee of $9.99, valid until January 31, 2025, after which the price tags rise to $19.99. The game promises an offline-only experience, shedding in-game purchases for good. Players can look forward to over 10,000 items peppered throughout seasonal events and other in-game festivities. Fresh features await players, such as connecting with others via QR codes and exploring Whistle Pass, host to live music performances. Nintendo plans to roll out new content until at least September 2025.

As fans eagerly await this revitalized mobile venture, expectations also turn toward the next big mainline series installment. The phenomenal success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch since 2020—with a staggering 45 million copies sold—has everyone abuzz with speculation about what’s next for the series. For now, though, the community reflects fondly on the joy that Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp brought over the past seven years.

For those wondering what made the original Pocket Camp iconic, it was the thrill of managing a bustling campsite, fishing for unique catches, meeting quirky animal characters, and decking out your space with over 10,000 customizable items. From seasonal flair to new adventures, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete promises to enhance and extend those cherished experiences while allowing players to pick up right where they left off.