Animal Crossing: New Horizons Launch in the UK is 3.5 Times Bigger Than Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Sales

by William D'Angelo , posted on 07 April 2020 / 3,395 Views

The first sign that the launch of the Nintendo Switch exclusive, Animal Crossing: New Horizon, has been a huge success for Nintendo has dropped online. Sales for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the UK at launch were 3.5 times bigger than the launch of Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS, according to GamesIndustry's Christopher Dring.

The launch week for the game was also bigger than the launch of every other Animal Crossing game combined. This includes sales for spin-off titles. The figures do not even include digital sales, which have only grown over the years.

"Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been a huge hit in the UK," said Dring via Twitter. "Its sales are 3.5 times bigger than the launch of the last main game (on 3DS). Its launch week is bigger than the launch of all the other Animal Crossing games combined (inc spin offs). And that’s even without digital."

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been a huge hit in the UK. Its sales are 3.5 times bigger than the launch of the last main game (on 3DS). Its launch week is bigger than the launch of all the other Animal Crossing games combined (inc spin offs). And that’s even without digital
— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) March 22, 2020

Here is an overview of Animal Crossing: New Horizons:

If the hustle and bustle of modern life’s got you down, Tom Nook has a business venture up his sleeve that he knows you’ll adore: his brand-new, ultra-exclusive Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package!

Sure, you’ve crossed paths with colourful characters near and far. Had a grand old time as one of the city folk. May’ve even turned over a new leaf and dedicated yourself to public service! But deep down, isn’t there a part of you that just longs for…freedom? A chance to do what you want, when you want? Then perhaps a long walk on the beach of a deserted island, where a rich wealth of untouched nature awaits, is just what the doctor ordered!

Peaceful creativity and charm await as you roll up your sleeves and make your new life whatever you want it to be.

Collect resources and craft everything from creature comforts to handy tools. Embrace your green thumb as you interact with flowers and trees in new ways. Set up a homestead where the rules of what goes indoors and out no longer apply.

Make friends with new arrivals, enjoy the seasons, pole-vault across rivers as you explore, and more!

Key Features:

Customise your character and home, and decorate the landscape (with furniture, if you like!), as you create your very own island paradise.
Experience a robust new crafting system – collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools!
Enjoy a variety of relaxing activities like gardening, fishing, decorating, interacting with charming NPCs, and more, as classic Animal Crossing experiences come to life in fun new ways within the deserted-island setting.
Up to eight players can reside on an island; four residents of the same island can play together simultaneously on a single system.
Eight players can play together on one player’s island via online multiplayer or local wireless.

Your new home is still being prepared – why not check out these other Animal Crossing games until it's time to move in?!

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

12 Comments

VAMatt (on 22 March 2020)

I'm sure it's sales would have been huge either way, but they definitely saw a boost from virus panic. This is a great time for video games, as weird as that is to say.

I also imagine that digital sales are higher than they would otherwise be, since many people don't want to, or aren't allowed to go to stores.

gord352 VAMatt (on 23 March 2020)

It's a good time for the sales of games that are near fully developed but It's not great for the developing and manufacturing of new stuff. We could see more delays in releases because of it - especially with the new consoles to come out at the end of the year!

Amnesia VAMatt (on 23 March 2020)

As you have said. I have bought back Nintendo shares today.

kazuyamishima (on 22 March 2020)

I have many friends that never played any AC game or even knew the game is about yet they preordered new horizons.

Marketing do wonders and this game seems to have high quality.

Otter (on 23 March 2020)

One thing is for sure, AC is benefiting from insane social media hype. My liberal Twitter is talking about it nonstop, alot of people are just checking it out because they keep hearing about. Quarantine is helping make it topical too.

Otter (on 23 March 2020)

xMetroid (on 22 March 2020)

Nintendo doing better and better in the UK, on of it's weakest market in Europe is a great sign. With really healthy sales in Europe it could go beyond 100 millions units.

dark_gh0st_b0y (on 22 March 2020)

fck yeah!!! I always knew that this series could be so much more and finally Nintendo gives it the upgrade it deserves, every single sale is well deserved :D

can't wait to waste hours on it ^_^

Zenos (on 22 March 2020)

Impressive. I'm not all that interested in the game, but the memes around it are great.

Cerebralbore101 (on 23 March 2020)

Series returns from ten year hiatus on console. Check.
Debuts in an age when social media is everywhere. Check.
On a console that is selling like hotcakes. Check.
Appeals to literally everyone!

Yep. This is going to be a sales monster.