Summary
TheAnimal Crossingseries has become one of Nintendo’s most beloved IPs, leading to crossover content with other Nintendo mainstays as well as the hit Japanese brand, Sanrio. But another adorable animal related brand could bring even more players over toAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.
Sanrio has made a name for itself in most part by creating Hello Kitty, who has become one of the most beloved fictional characters of all time. Their focus on cute animal characters became a part of Japanese culture that fans across the globe have come to recognize. So, it felt natural when Nintendo announced that a Sanrio crossover was coming to theAnimal Crossinggames. Through the use of amiibo cards, players could unlock furniture sets and villagers based on some of Sanrio’s most popular characters. The cross promotion was such a success thatmore Sanrio items were added toAnimal Crossing: Pocket Camp. Unfortunately, crossover content doesn’t come to Animal Crossing very often. But just like Sanrio, Squishmallows offer a group of adorable animals that would be the perfect addition to anyAnimal Crossingisland.
Animal Crossing and Squishmallows are a Perfect Match
Cutesy animals never fail to gain attention, a fact proven by the Squishmallow craze. These lovable pillow creatures have seen a boom in success that doesn’t seem to be diminishing any time soon, andAnimal Crossingwould be missing an opportunity by not seeking a collaboration. There are already Squishmallows based on many different properties, including other video games. The company continues to releasenewPokemonSquishmallowsevery so often because of the success the partnership has been. A partnership with another video game about lovable animal companions is the next step they might be looking for.
Likewise,Animal Crossingsaw great success with its Sanrio crossover, as well as the content based onMario,Zelda, andSplatoonthat has appeared throughout the series. While Nintendo has been hesitant to partner with non-Japanese companies in the past, thenewly releasedAnimal CrossingLEGO setsare a sign that it might be changing their tune.Animal Crossing: New Horizonsseems to be finished with new updates, but additional cross promotion is something Nintendo should be looking into for the next entry in the series. If the next game is announced alongside a highly profitable cross promotion, it might even surpass the success ofNew Horizons.
How an Animal Crossing / Smashmallow Collaboration Could Work
In a game where players put so much effort into decorating their own custom spaces, it’s a no-brainer how Squishmallows could fit into the world ofAnimal Crossing. The most simple way would be to add them just as they are in the real world. Players could collect cute pillows to decorate their home or island with. The game could also include wallpaper and floor patterns based on the brand, as well as other furniture pieces.
A more creative way to approach the crossover though would be to add Squishmallow characters as villagers. Some of the brand’s characters have multiple costumes or variant patterns, seeing them come to life in the game would be a dream come true for Squishmallow fans. It wouldn’t be long beforethemedAnimal Crossingislandsbased entirely on the crossover flooded the internet.
A great thing about this type of cross promotion is that it doesn’t have to stay only in the game. With a partnership,Animal Crossingcharacters could become new Squishmallows of their own. The villiagers would looks incredible as plushes, just like one fan made anAnimal CrossingCeleste plush. Characters like Isabelle or Tom Nook would become even cuter and more cuddly as the iconic egg-shaped cushions. If Nintendo wanted to control the influx of cosmetics and characters, it could also add amiibo cards to the tags of physical squishmallows. That way, the purchase of a new toy would also act as DLC for the game. All in all, a partnership betweenAnimal Crossingand Squishmallows just seems meant to be.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
