The Animal Crossing Switch console has been a fan favorite since its launch in March 2020, perfectly capturing the whimsical, pastel vibes of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This limited-edition Nintendo Switch hardware bundle was designed to immerse players in the game’s deserted island paradise right from the moment you unbox it. But in late 2025, with the Nintendo Switch OLED thriving and the Switch 2 on the horizon (complete with an enhanced Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition set for January 2026), is the original Animal Crossing Switch console still worth your money? In this full review and guide, we’ll dive deep into its design, performance, value, and setup tips to help you decide.
Design and Aesthetics: A Perfect Match for Animal Crossing Fans
The standout feature of the Animal Crossing Switch console is its adorable theming. The Joy-Con controllers come in pastel green (left) and pastel blue (right), with crisp white backs for a clean look. The included white wrist straps match seamlessly, preventing slips during extended island-building sessions. The real showstopper is the dock: pure white with intricate artwork featuring Tom Nook, Timmy, and Tommy Nook waving hello, surrounded by cherry blossoms and tropical motifs. It’s not just a charger—it’s a display piece that screams Animal Crossing.
This aesthetic choice elevates the Animal Crossing Switch console beyond standard hardware. Collectors on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) still rave about it in 2025, with users trading or upgrading from it to newer models while keeping it for nostalgia. If you’re deep into New Horizons, pairing this console with your island feels magical—like Tom Nook personally handed it to you.
What’s Included and Unboxing Experience
Unboxing the Animal Crossing Switch console is a joy. The package contains:
- Nintendo Switch console (model HAC-001(-01), the revised V2 with improved battery).
- Pastel green/blue Joy-Cons.
- White themed dock.
- Joy-Con grip, wrist straps, HDMI cable, and AC adapter.
Note: In North America, it launched at $299.99 without the game included—unlike some European bundles with a download code. YouTube unboxings from 2020 highlight the premium packaging, with custom inserts mimicking the game’s cozy feel.
Performance and Gameplay
Under the hood, the Animal Crossing Switch console performs identically to any V2 Switch. It boasts 4.5–9 hours of battery life (e.g., ~5.5 hours for Breath of the Wild), a massive upgrade from the original 2017 model. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this means worry-free portable play for fishing, fossil hunting, or museum visits. The 6.2-inch screen delivers vibrant colors that pop with the game’s pastels—no complaints there.
Best Buy and Amazon reviews average 4.8/5 stars, praising smooth ACNH performance and the battery boost. One user noted it “loads games a bit faster” in handheld mode. It’s fully compatible with all Switch games, DLC like Happy Home Paradise, and Nintendo Switch Online for multiplayer islands.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic, collectible design perfect for AC fans | No longer produced new; used/refurbished only |
| Excellent V2 battery life | Smaller screen than OLED (no HDR) |
| Affordable on resale market (~$200–$350) | Switch 2 edition of ACNH incoming (Jan 2026) |
| Timeless appeal for cozy gaming | Joy-Cons prone to drift (universal Switch issue) |
Is It Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely—for Animal Crossing diehards and collectors. Used units are plentiful on Amazon, Walmart, and eBay, often $250–$300 complete. That’s a steal compared to its MSRP, especially if you snag a mint-condition one with original box. Recent X posts show fans upgrading to Switch 2 but gifting their Animal Crossing Switch console for fresh islands.
However, casual buyers might skip it. The OLED model ($350 new) offers a larger, brighter screen, and with ACNH getting a Switch 2 upgrade (4K docked, 12-player online), future-proofing trumps nostalgia. If you’re buying your first Switch solely for ACNH, grab a standard OLED and the game for $60.
For more on the game: Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Wikipedia. Hardware context: Nintendo Switch – Wikipedia.
Full Setup Guide
- Unbox and Charge: Plug into the themed dock for 3 hours.
- Initial Setup: Power on, connect to Wi-Fi, create Nintendo Account. Download system updates.
- Insert microSD (Optional): Add 128GB+ for saves/screenshots.
- Get ACNH: Buy digitally ($50 on sale) or physical. Redeem any codes.
- Optimize for AC: Enable auto-save, join NSO ($20/year) for islands. Use Joy-Con motion for tools.
- Customization: Apply screen protector, themed case. Dock it proudly!
Pro Tip: Time travel ethically in ACNH to catch events without waiting.
See fan insights: Medium – The Year of Animal Crossing.
FAQ
Q: Is the Animal Crossing Switch console still available new? A: No, it’s discontinued. Buy used/refurbished from trusted sellers like Amazon.
Q: Does it include Animal Crossing: New Horizons? A: No in NA; some EU bundles did. Game sold separately.
Q: Better than OLED for ACNH? A: Design yes, screen/battery no. OLED wins for visuals.
Q: Switch 2 compatibility? A: Games transferable via cloud, but hardware stays Switch 1.
Q: Common issues? A: Joy-Con drift—buy hall-effect replacements if needed.
Q: Resale value? A: Holds strong at $250+ for collectors.
Conclusion
The Animal Crossing Switch console remains a worthwhile gem in 2025 for its unmatched theming and solid performance. If it sparks joy like your island does, snap one up—it’s a collector’s dream that enhances every ACNH session. Otherwise, modern alternatives await. Happy islanding!