6 Years Later, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Still a Great Way to Connect From Afar

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Since its release in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been the most popular relaxing game on the Nintendo Switch. While Pokemon Pokopia offers a new option, most players don’t seem ready to leave their Animal Crossing islands and friends. There’s a special appeal to Animal Crossing that keeps people playing year after year. As the game approaches its 6th anniversary, I’ve been thinking about how it continues to help me stay in touch with friends who live far away.

The timing of New Horizons‘ release in 2020 was perfect for its success. With people staying home and missing loved ones, visiting friends’ islands in the game became a popular way to connect. The game’s peaceful and familiar world offered a sense of comfort. Even six years later, New Horizons is still enjoyable, particularly if you have friends playing from all over, like I do.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Arrived When The World Needed It Most

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out on March 20th, 2020, just as the first COVID lockdowns began in the U.S. This timing couldn’t have been better, as the game offered a relaxing escape for people suddenly stuck at home and separated from their normal lives. It quickly became a comforting world where many found a way to pass the time and cope with the stress of the pandemic.

The Animal Crossing series was already well-loved, but New Horizons became a massive hit. This was likely because it offered a relaxing and enjoyable experience when many people were stuck at home. Its simple gameplay and calming music appealed to both experienced gamers and newcomers. Plus, the game’s multiplayer feature allowed friends and families to connect virtually when they couldn’t be together in person, creating heartwarming stories and a strong sense of community.

I joined the wave of new Nintendo Switch owners in 2020. While I didn’t immediately start playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I loved seeing everyone connect and share their experiences online. I spent that time revisiting older favorites like the Kingdom Hearts series and Skyrim on my new console. Still, 2020 always makes me think of Animal Crossing, and I eventually picked it up too. New Horizons really provided a welcome escape during a tough year, and it continues to feel comforting even now in 2026.

Before And After Its Major 3.0 Update, New Horizons Remains a Great Way to Connect

I didn’t start playing New Horizons when it first came out in 2020, but I quickly understood what everyone loved about it. I recently started a new game when the Switch 2 version was released earlier this year. With the new content added in the 3.0 update and the improvements on the Switch 2, I wanted to see if the game was still enjoyable in 2026. And it definitely is!

I usually play games by myself. Most of my friends, and even my husband (except when he got into Warzone during 2020!), don’t share my interest in gaming. So, I was really excited when my childhood best friend, who lives far away, told me she was playing New Horizons. She started right before the big 3.0 update came out, which meant we were both getting back into the game at the same time. Of course, we decided to play together!

I’ve been gaming forever, but my friend actually grew up without consoles, so getting to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons together was amazing! I was a little worried since the game doesn’t really hold your hand with tutorials, but she picked it up quickly and loved it. We were running around our islands, chatting on the phone since she doesn’t have a Switch, and it instantly brought back that feeling of connection, even though we live states apart. Seeing her character on my island in real-time just makes you feel so much closer. It was the perfect way to catch up on life, and we even swapped some tips and tricks along the way!

I may not be as skilled at decorating as some long-time Animal Crossing: New Horizons players, but I understand why people are still playing the game after six years. Even without the new features added in the 3.0 update, New Horizons is comforting and familiar, with a satisfying level of gameplay. Plus, it’s even more fun when you play with a friend and work together to collect items!

Loved playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Share your favorite memories in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-20 18:11