5 Things Nintendo Should Introduce to Animal Crossing: New Horizons

In light of Animal Crossing: New Horizons' absence at Nintendo Direct, the gaming giant has assured fans that there is still plenty to come to the life simulation phenomenon. The question that hangs over our heads, of course, is what exactly will New Horizons introduce over the coming months? Well, if we had to put our money on it — we'd probably say a slew of new activities — which would definitely be a feasible option for Nintendo, given 33 million people are content with fishing for three hours a day.

“While we didn’t talk about it [during the E3 Nintendo Direct], we absolutely have plans going forward to ensure the 33 million people who have islands out there have new and fun activities to engage with,” Nintendo US president Doug Bowser told The Verge. “Look for more to come.” That's basically all the news we were able to absorb, for the time being, meaning it really has just become a case of as and when. But until the updates do start rolling in, we might as well draw up a few activities we'd love to see bundled into New Horizons. So, in case you're glossing over — take note, Nintendo.

5. Relationships

Okay, we get it. Animal Crossing isn't The Sims, nor is it built around relationships and all the things that gel with them. It is, however, bustling with townsfolk who are always dropping by to offer us gifts and a quick catch up. The problem is, that's usually as far as it will go, with only a few snippets of dialogue and perhaps a template hint to boot. The question we're left with, of course, is whether or not Nintendo will look to evolve those moments into fully-fledged connections, with story arcs that blossom with every villager that steps foot on our island. There's a lot of room for growth there, and we'd love to see Nintendo explore the notion a little more in future updates.

4. Cycling

Like you, I've lost count over how many hours I've spent sprinting across my island, wishing there was a more convenient way to travel the network. I've also wondered whether or not Nintendo will ever look to introduce a new mode of transportation — like a bicycle, for example. It's fair to say that Animal Crossing: New Horizons would definitely benefit from having such a basic item. Of course, a car might be one step too far, seeing as you can pretty much sprint the length of your island in less than ninety seconds. But having said that, it'd be an absolute pleasure to be able to bunny hop a river and glide down a set of stairs on two wheels. Just imagine it.

Sky's the limit with New Horizons. All Nintendo has to do is reach.

3. Pets

There comes a point in Animal Crossing where staring at that whale shark you caught six weeks ago just doesn't give you the same sense of achievement. Sure, it looks cool — but does it do much else? Well, no, not really. And that's sort of why we'd be a lot more content with having pets that beckon to be admired and taken care of. But that isn't our way of saying we'd want a Tamagotchi to look after on top of our usual jam-packed schedule of picking weeds every day. Because in all fairness, we'd be happy just having a house cat, perched on the roof of our home. Or maybe even a dog that we can occasionally take for a stroll around the island? It'd be a nice addition, that's all I'm saying.

2. Jobs

One thing Animal Crossing doesn't like to promote is hard work — and that's sort of the reason why we love it. In fact, we can pretty much settle for picking up a few shells and calling it a day, without the stress of having to meet any form of deadline. But then, perhaps something like that could be an interesting thing that could be gradually introduced? While not an essential thing to do, it could very well act as a source of additional income for your back pocket. Whether it be a photography job on the side or a part-time cashier gig down at Nook's Cranny — having a second role on the side could prove to be both addicting and beneficial. Right?

There's room to grow, that's all we're saying.

1. Sea Exploration

One thing we'd love to do more than anything is sailing out on the open seas that surround our chain of islands. Even picturing it just brings a spark of joy to our faces, to be honest. Just imagining a little steamboat dinking and dunking across the ocean between islands sure seems like a fun way to explore the nooks and crannies of Nintendo's beloved creation. Plus, it could also be worked around deep-sea fishing, where the rarest of sharks flock to the stern for a classic game of cat and mouse. Bag the heaviest catch, of course — and you could be rewarded with a boatload of Bells. Just an idea. We've given you the material, Nintendo. Do with it what you will!

What would you like to see in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Let us know over on our social handles here.

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