ESRB rating indicates that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will feature in-game purchases

When you shop via links on GamingDeals.com, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

While Nintendo’s 2020 game release calendar is still looking a little sparse, there’s no denying that the Switch will see the arrival of a Triple-A heavyweight in Animal Crossing: New Horizons when it lands on March 20th. However, according to the game’s ESRB rating, which was recently published on Nintendo’s official website, the highly anticipated life-sim will include some kind of in-game purchase options – a first for the two-decade old series!

In the statement itself the ESRB doesn’t disclose any specific details as to what these new “in-game purchases” will relate to, but it’s safe to assume that at least some – if not all – will relate to cosmetics. After all, Animal Crossing is a series primed on allowing players to customise and modify the look of their character and town, but we’ll need to wait for the official release to know for certain.

Animal Crossing New Horizons activities

Of course, Nintendo has recently experimented with different monetisation models in both the DLC and mobile space, with Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp alone estimated to earn Nintendo thousands of pounds daily. In that game, players can choose to opt into a subscription plan that lets players recruit a villager to maintain the world in their absence. Subscribers also gain access to extra furniture and storage options, giving them an edge compared to if they progressed naturally.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is otherwise free-to-play, aside from this subscriber option, but the game has grown infamous for pushing players to spend money. We doubt that the Nintendo Switch iteration (New Horizons) will be just as aggressive, but it’ll mark Nintendo’s first foray including micro-transactions into a console-dedicated first-party release. Pokémon, Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate all have season passes but offered no way to spend real-world money in game.

This news comes just two weeks after Nintendo also announced it’d be releasing a special limited-edition Switch console centred around Animal Crossing: New Horizons, featuring a custom backplate and dock, alongside a pastel blue and green Joy-Con pair. Pre-orders are live now, but current speculation suggest that the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak might affect production.

Do you like the sound of in-game purchases for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Here’s hoping Nintendo handles the notoriously tricky tactic in a way that’s fair and open.

The best pre-order price for Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Compare deals

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Boxed physical game for delivery
£34.95
In Stock
Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Boxed physical game for delivery
£37.99
In Stock
Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

£39.00
In Stock
Comments
Latest Articles
1 month ago
Black Friday 2024 TV Deals

Black Friday is the best time to grab a brand new TV for your set-up; so we've rounded up the best deals for Black Friday 2024 for you.

Continue reading
1 month ago
Where to buy a Nintendo Switch on finance with monthly payments

Want to spread the cost of a new Nintendo Switch console on a finance agreement? We reveal which leading retailers offer the best finance deals.

Continue reading
1 month ago
A list of all the official Xbox Series X|S controllers released since launch

Regarding new controller colourways and having options, Microsoft is killing it. As a result, we thought you might want to see a round-up of every single controller released since the Xbox Series X and S hit shelves back in November 2020.

Continue reading
1 month ago
Elgato's NEO range makes it easy to start your streaming journey

A guide to Elgato's NEO range of streaming equipment, ideal for starting your streaming journey.

Continue reading
An update is available
An update is available to improve your app experience

We've pushed some shiny new code to make your browsing experience even better.