Animal Crossing Switch will contain in-game purchases, rating suggests
Nintendo recently reaffirmed its commitment to post-release support
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will contain some form of in-game purchases.
That’s according to the game’s ESRB rating, which can be found on Nintendo’s official website, but has yet to be formally published on the ESRB site.
In January Nintendo reaffirmed its commitment to supporting first-party Switch software with post-release content.
The platform holder recently announced a pair of expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield, and expanded Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s second Fighter Pass to six characters.
The company’s president Shuntaro Furukawa told investors in January that as well as releasing new games regularly, “we are also focused on initiatives that keep consumers playing after the software has been released.”
He added: “As announced recently, we plan to update the in-game content and distribute new add-on content for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. And as we’ve mentioned before, we’ve decided to create even more additional fighters for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”
In the mobile space, Nintendo has experimented with paid subscription services for Mario Kart Tour, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and Fire Emblem Heroes, although there’s no indication it’s planning to do this outside of the mobile space.
Pocket Camp’s subscription, among other things, allows players to appoint a villager as ‘caretaker’, and they’ll then maintain the game world in the player’s absence. Subscribers can also access more storage for items and receive monthly furniture rewards.
Nintendo Switch’s New Horizons will release on March 20. Nintendo recently announced a special Animal Crossing themed Nintendo Switch for release in North America, Europe and Japan.
The console features unique Joy-Con controllers, a custom design on the back, and a special Nintendo Switch dock. It will release for $299.99 / £319.99.
An Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aloha Edition Carrying Case & Screen Protector will also be available for purchase on March 13.
