Animal Crossing: Marking the Conclusion of an Era Today

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp has reached the end of its journey, officially shutting down. But fans can breathe a sigh of relief because Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is set to debut for mobile devices on December 3, 2024. This new version will launch at a special introductory price of $9.99, which will be available until January 31, 2025. After this date, the price will jump to $19.99.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp made its mark as a beloved free-to-play mobile game since launching on iOS and Android in 2017. It brought the charm and social simulation that the franchise is known for directly to smartphone screens, allowing players to cultivate a cozy campsite filled with personal decor. By November 2021, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp had generated over $250 million via in-app purchases, ranking as Nintendo’s second highest-grossing mobile game. The announcement of its shutdown on November 28, Thanksgiving Day, tugged at many fans’ heartstrings. In response, players have spent recent months diligently backing up their data to bid a proper farewell to this cherished game.

With the shutdown now complete, a new chapter awaits with the upcoming release of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete. This version allows players to carry over their progress by logging into the new title with their existing account, preserving their favorite outfits, campsite setups, and friendships. However, Leaf Tickets will no longer be usable. Unfortunately, players who didn’t link their accounts before the shutdown day will not be able to continue their journey.

While the original Pocket Camp was free-to-play, Pocket Camp Complete will require a one-time purchase, priced at $9.99, increasing to $19.99 after January’s end. Although the new game will be entirely offline, it promises fresh seasonal events and a massive collection of over 10,000 items to customize campsites. There are exciting new features as well, such as personal in-game QR codes to meet fellow players and a new location, Whistle Pass, where live guitar performances add to the immersive experience. Nintendo has committed to enriching the game with new items and events until at least September 2025.

The revival of Pocket Camp is definitely a high note for dedicated fans, though many in the community are also eagerly anticipating news about a new mainline Animal Crossing entry. Since its 2020 release on the Nintendo Switch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons dazzled players worldwide, selling a jaw-dropping 45 million copies. As players reminisce and cherish the Pocket Camp memories, they’re equally curious and hopeful about what exciting innovations future titles will bring. For now, the legacy of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp shines on, having added seven bright years to the world of mobile gaming.