When Will Animal Crossing Go on sale? (Lowest Prices Spotted!)

Have you ever dreamed of snagging a copy of Animal Crossing at an unbeatable price? I know I have! The whimsical world of villager friendships, bug catching, and island decorating has captivated millions, but that price tag can sometimes be a barrier. This article dives deep into the pricing trends of Animal Crossing, explores anticipated sales events in 2025, and equips you with the tips and tricks you need to find the best deals. Get ready to plan your strategy for acquiring this beloved game without breaking the bank!

Overview of Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Since its initial release in Japan in 2001 as “Animal Forest” for the Nintendo 64 (later enhanced and released worldwide on the GameCube as Animal Crossing), the series has consistently charmed players with its relaxing gameplay, adorable characters, and endless customization options.

The series’ core appeal lies in its real-time simulation. Days and seasons progress as they do in the real world, creating a sense of immersion and connection to your virtual island or town. You can fish, catch bugs, decorate your home, and most importantly, build relationships with a cast of quirky animal villagers. There’s no “winning” in Animal Crossing; the goal is simply to enjoy the process of creating your perfect virtual life.

Over the years, the Animal Crossing franchise has seen several iterations, each building upon the foundation laid by the original:

• Animal Crossing (GameCube): The game that introduced the world to the charm of village life.
• Animal Crossing: Wild World (Nintendo DS): Brought the experience to handheld gaming, introducing online play.
• Animal Crossing: City Folk (Wii): Added a city area to explore and more online features.
• Animal Crossing: New Leaf (Nintendo 3DS): Allowed players to become the mayor of their town, significantly expanding customization options.
• Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer (Nintendo 3DS): A spin-off focused on designing homes for villagers.
• Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (Mobile): A free-to-play mobile version that brought the essence of Animal Crossing to smartphones.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch): The latest mainline installment, which has become a global sensation.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been a monumental success, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its release in March 2020 provided a much-needed escape for millions stuck at home, driving sales to unprecedented heights. According to Nintendo’s financial results, as of December 2023, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has sold over 44.4 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time on any Nintendo platform. ^1

This success has cemented Animal Crossing’s place as a flagship Nintendo franchise, ensuring its continued relevance and popularity. The game’s broad appeal is evident in its player demographics. While it’s often perceived as a game for children, data suggests that a significant portion of the player base is adults. A study by Statista indicates that around 30% of Animal Crossing players are between the ages of 25 and 34. ^2 This broad demographic appeal contributes to the game’s consistent demand and, consequently, its pricing.

Historical Pricing Trends

Understanding historical pricing trends is crucial for predicting when Animal Crossing might go on sale. While Nintendo games are notorious for holding their value, even they are subject to discounts, especially during major sales events.

Over the past few years, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has seen price fluctuations, but generally, it remains closer to its MSRP ($59.99) compared to other games that might see steeper discounts sooner. However, I’ve noticed definite patterns during specific times of the year.

Seasonal Sales Patterns:

• Black Friday: This is perhaps the most reliable time to find Animal Crossing: New Horizons on sale. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart often offer discounts on the game, either as a standalone purchase or bundled with other items. In 2022 and 2023, I saw the game dip to around $40-$45 during Black Friday sales.
• Holiday Sales (December): Following Black Friday, holiday sales continue to offer opportunities for discounts. While the discounts might not be as deep as Black Friday, it’s still worth keeping an eye on prices during this period.
• Amazon Prime Day (July): Amazon Prime Day is another significant sales event where I’ve seen Animal Crossing: New Horizons discounted. In 2023, the game was available for around $48 during Prime Day.
• Back to School Sales (August): While not as consistent as Black Friday or Prime Day, some retailers offer discounts on video games during back-to-school sales, targeting parents looking to purchase entertainment options for their children.
• Nintendo eShop Sales: Nintendo’s digital storefront, the eShop, also offers sales throughout the year. These sales often coincide with holidays or special events and can offer significant discounts on digital versions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Data on Previous Lowest Prices:

Based on my research and tracking of historical prices, the lowest price I’ve observed for a new physical copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons was around $39.99 during a Black Friday sale in 2022 at Target. Digital copies have occasionally been available for slightly less during eShop sales, sometimes dipping below $35.

To illustrate these trends, I’ve compiled a table showing the approximate lowest prices I observed during key sales events in recent years:

Note: Prices may vary depending on retailer and location.

Anticipated Sales Events in 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, I anticipate that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will likely be on sale during the same key events as in previous years. Here’s a breakdown of what I expect:

• Amazon Prime Day (July 2025): Expect Amazon to offer discounts on the game, potentially around the $45-$50 range. Keep an eye on lightning deals and limited-time offers.
• Back to School Sales (August 2025): While not guaranteed, keep an eye on retailers like Walmart and Target for potential discounts on the game as part of their back-to-school promotions.
• Black Friday (November 2025): This is the most promising opportunity to find the game at its lowest price. I predict we could see the game dip to around $35-$40 at major retailers.
• Holiday Sales (December 2025): Following Black Friday, expect continued discounts, although possibly not as deep.
• Nintendo eShop Sales (Throughout 2025): Regularly check the Nintendo eShop for digital discounts. These sales often coincide with holidays, game anniversaries, or other special events.

How Retailers Promote Gaming Discounts:

Retailers typically employ several strategies to promote gaming discounts during sales events:

• Bundles: Bundling Animal Crossing: New Horizons with other games, accessories, or even Nintendo Switch consoles is a common tactic. These bundles can offer significant savings compared to purchasing each item separately.
• Discounts on Digital Gift Cards: Retailers might offer discounts on Nintendo eShop gift cards, allowing you to purchase the game digitally at a reduced price.
• Percentage-Based Discounts: Offering a percentage off the regular price of the game (e.g., 20% off) is a straightforward and effective way to attract customers.
• Limited-Time Offers: Creating a sense of urgency with limited-time offers can drive sales. These offers might be available for only a few hours or days.

Potential New Editions or DLCs:

The release of new editions or DLCs (Downloadable Content) can significantly impact the pricing of existing versions of the game. While there are no official announcements regarding new content for Animal Crossing: New Horizons as of now, if Nintendo were to release a significant DLC or a special edition of the game in 2025, it could potentially lead to discounts on the original version. This is because retailers often clear out inventory of older versions to make room for the new releases.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

Finding the best deals on Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires a proactive approach. Here are some strategies I recommend:

• Track Prices Effectively: Use price tracking websites like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) and PriceRunner to monitor the price of the game over time. These websites allow you to see historical price fluctuations and set up alerts when the price drops to your desired level.
• Use Price Comparison Websites: Websites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and Idealo allow you to compare prices from multiple retailers simultaneously, ensuring you’re getting the best deal available.
• Set Up Sales Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. These alerts will notify you when the game goes on sale.
• Follow Social Media: Follow retailers and gaming news outlets on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. They often announce sales and promotions on these channels.
• Join Gaming Communities: Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to gaming deals. Members often share deals they’ve found, providing valuable information and tips. Some popular communities include r/NintendoSwitchDeals on Reddit and various Facebook groups dedicated to gaming deals.
• Check Local Retailers: Don’t forget to check local retailers like GameStop and smaller electronics stores. They might offer competitive prices or special promotions that aren’t widely advertised.
• Consider Used Copies: If you’re not opposed to buying a used copy, check websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. You can often find the game at a significantly reduced price, although be sure to verify the condition of the game before purchasing.

Consumer Behavior and Demand

Consumer behavior plays a significant role in the pricing of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Several factors influence buying decisions, including:

• Reviews and Ratings: Positive reviews and high ratings can drive demand for the game, allowing retailers to maintain higher prices.
• Gameplay Updates and Events: Nintendo regularly releases free updates and seasonal events for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which can reignite interest in the game and influence purchasing decisions.
• Community Engagement: The active and passionate Animal Crossing community contributes to the game’s sustained popularity. Players share their creations, tips, and experiences online, creating a sense of community and encouraging others to join the game.

Shifting Demand for Gaming:

The demand for gaming has shifted significantly in recent years, with a growing emphasis on digital downloads and subscription services. This trend has implications for the pricing of physical copies of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. As more players opt for digital versions, retailers might be more inclined to offer discounts on physical copies to clear out inventory.

Future Predictions

Looking ahead, the future of the Animal Crossing franchise is bright. While there are no official announcements regarding a new mainline installment, I anticipate that Nintendo will eventually release a new Animal Crossing game for its next-generation console.

Potential New Releases, Expansions, or Collaborations:

The release of a new Animal Crossing game would likely impact the pricing of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. As players flock to the new game, demand for the older title could decrease, leading to steeper discounts.

In addition to a new game, Nintendo could also release a major expansion pack for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This could reignite interest in the game and potentially lead to a temporary increase in prices, followed by discounts as the initial hype subsides.

Collaborations with other brands or franchises could also influence demand and pricing. For example, a collaboration with a popular movie or TV show could attract new players to the game, potentially driving up prices temporarily.

Conclusion

Finding Animal Crossing: New Horizons at the perfect price requires patience, diligence, and a little bit of luck. By understanding historical pricing trends, anticipating sales events, and employing the tips I’ve shared, you can significantly increase your chances of snagging the game at an unbeatable price in 2025.

So, have you ever dreamed of snagging a copy of Animal Crossing at an unbeatable price? I hope this article has equipped you with the knowledge and tools you need to make that dream a reality. Stay tuned to price tracking websites, follow retailers on social media, and join gaming communities to stay informed about the latest deals.

I invite you to share your experiences and predictions for when you think Animal Crossing: New Horizons will go on sale. What are your best tips for finding gaming deals? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

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