Animal Crossing Era Comes to a Close Today

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp has officially ceased its operations, signaling the end of an era for fans of this beloved mobile game. Despite bidding farewell to the original, enthusiasts have reason to stay hopeful, as a new chapter is about to begin. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is set to debut on mobile devices on December 3, 2024. From now until January 31, 2025, the game will be priced at $9.99, after which the cost will rise to $19.99.

Launched in 2017 on iOS and Android, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp quickly became a hit by letting players enjoy the charm of social simulation on their phones. It encouraged fans to create and personalize a cozy campsite, thus capturing the essence of the beloved Animal Crossing series. By November 2021, it had generated an impressive $250 million in revenue through in-app purchases, marking it as Nintendo’s second most successful mobile venture. Yet, despite its popularity and the emotional attachment many players felt towards the game’s characters and atmosphere, Nintendo announced a permanent shutdown on November 28. This news left players scrambling to save their data and say goodbye to this cherished offshoot.

In a strategic move to appease upset fans, Nintendo plans to release Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete. With this new version, users can transfer their saved data by logging in with the same account, carrying over their outfits, furniture, and other items, although Leaf Tickets will not make the transition. However, those who missed linking their Pocket Camp data to their Nintendo Account before the shutdown face losing their progress forever.

For those accustomed to the free-to-play model, the Complete edition introduces a shift with its single purchase fee. While it means no more in-game purchases, players can still anticipate engaging in seasonal events and enjoying access to over 10,000 items. New features are also on the horizon, such as QR codes for meeting other players and a fresh locale named Whistle Pass, featuring live guitar music. Nintendo has committed to supporting the Complete edition with new events and items at least until September 2025.

As Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp makes a comeback, excitement brews among fans, albeit with the knowledge that some in the community are eagerly eyeing the prospect of a new mainline entry. Given the massive success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch, which sold an astounding 45 million copies since 2020, many are curious about what the next major installment could bring. For now, though, gamers reflect on the years they spent with Pocket Camp, a game that brought warmth and joy to their screens.

Despite this bittersweet farewell, the transition to Pocket Camp Complete promises a continuation of your managerial role at the campsite, complete with fishing, bug-catching, and building friendships with quirky animal characters. Delight in decorating your site with a vast array of items, from tents to merry-go-rounds, and experience seasonal events like the Garden Event and Fishing Tourneys. If you’ve been part of the Pocket Camp journey, you can now pick up right where you left off, ensuring that the campfires will keep burning bright in this digital world.