It was a sad day when Nintendo announced that the free mobile game Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp would be ending soon. This app will be discontinued on November 28th. But that too is making a comeback. However, this time it will be a paid game.
Nintendo will release a paid version of the app “Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete'' on December 3rd. For $10, users can get a new version of the game with nearly the same gameplay mechanics and some new ones.
The launch of the new Animal Crossing game follows several other attempts by Nintendo to bring its most popular titles over the years to mobile, with mixed success. While Pokémon Go, a collaboration with Niantic, remains popular, other games featuring large IPs, including Mario, have failed to live up to expectations.
As Nintendo explains in a 12-minute video on YouTube, Pocket Camp Complete includes the ability to roam around the island with your favorite villagers, as well as “camper cards” that players can customize and exchange with friends via QR. It includes several new features, including: code.
Players will also earn the Whistle Pass, a new mountain location where friends can gather and gift items to each other. There, players can enjoy daily performances by KK Slider every night at 7 p.m.
Complete allows players to play completely offline, eliminating the need for a constant internet connection. However, since the app does not require a connection, users will no longer be able to play directly with friends online and will not be able to use the Market Box to buy or sell items.
Nintendo is also ending two other features, including the premium currency “Leaf Tickets” and the monthly paid subscription Pocket Camp Club. Once completed, it will switch to a “Leaf Token” and can be exchanged for bells or by completing tasks.
Additionally, some of Pocket Camp Club's features have been incorporated into the new app, including “Merry Memories,” which provides users with designs and stickers for planners and seasonal event rewards. “Happy Helper” allows players to appoint villagers as caretakers to collect items. “Furniture & Fashion” allows you to save multiple layout designs and outfits.
Additionally, players who have been playing the game for many years can migrate their old data to the new version after launching the game to maintain their levels and keep all their bells and items. However, some data cannot be saved. For example, Leaf Tickets are not transferable, so it's best to spend them before Nintendo removes the app.
It's important to note that Complete is priced at just $10 until January 31, 2025. Nintendo will later raise the price to $20, which is quite expensive compared to other mobile games. Players can now pre-order on the Google Play Store and App Store.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp became an instant hit when it was released in 2017, racking up 15 million downloads in its first six days of availability. It's a shame that Nintendo made a once-free game a paid game, but I'm still looking forward to trying out the new version. Even if it was a much higher price than we expected.