Examine individual changes

'{{Short description|2012 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2019}} {{Infobox video game | title = Animal Crossing: New Leaf | image = AnimalCrossingNewLeafNABoxart.jpg | caption = Packaging artwork for all territories | alt = The packaging art work for ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf''. The words "Welcome to Animal Crossing" are seen on a wooden sign, with a leaf on top which has the text "New Leaf" on it. Several animals and the player are seen below the sign. | developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]{{efn|[[Monolith Soft]] assisted on development.}} | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | director = Isao Moro<br>[[Aya Kyogoku]] | designer = Koji Takahashi<br>Ryuji Kobayashi<br>Akito Osanai | producer = [[Katsuya Eguchi]] | artist = Ryuji Kobayashi<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/12/feature_the_minds_behind_animal_crossing_new_horizons|title=Feature: The Minds Behind Animal Crossing: New Horizons|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|date=December 24, 2020|access-date=July 21, 2021|first=Gavin|last=Lane|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007012507/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/12/feature_the_minds_behind_animal_crossing_new_horizons|url-status=live}}</ref> | programmer = Gentaro Takaki | writer = Makoto Wada | composer = Manaka Kataoka<br>Atsuko Asahi<br />[[Kazumi Totaka]] | series = ''[[Animal Crossing]]'' | released = '''''New Leaf'''''<br>{{Vgrelease|JP|November 8, 2012<ref name=coming>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/8/29/3276585/animal-crossing-jump-out-release-date-japan |title='Animal Crossing: Jump Out' coming to Japan November 8th |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=The Verge |first=Samit |last=Sarkar |date=August 29, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015153236/http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/8/29/3276585/animal-crossing-jump-out-release-date-japan |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>|NA|June 9, 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/animal-crossing-new-leaf-coming-june-9/ |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf coming June 9 |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=Joystiq |author=Fletcher, JC |access-date=February 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518003315/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/animal-crossing-new-leaf-coming-june-9/ |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>|EU|June 14, 2013<ref name=eu-release>{{cite web |url=http://acnewleaf.com/2013/02/14/animal-crossing-new-leaf-releases-on-june-9th-in-north-america/ |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf releases on June 9th in North America, June 14th in Europe |website=Animal Crossing World |date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |author=Justin |publisher=AC 3DS Blog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425083928/http://acnewleaf.com/2013/02/14/animal-crossing-new-leaf-releases-on-june-9th-in-north-america/ |archive-date=April 25, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>|AUS|June 15, 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aussie-gamer.com/news/animal-crossing-new-leaf-and-other-nintendo-3ds-games-get-australian-release-dates/#/vanilla/discussion/embed/?vanilla_discussion_id=0 |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf and other Nintendo 3DS Games get Australian Release Dates |website=Aussie-Gamer |date=February 24, 2013 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |author=Muddle, Tynan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429010251/http://aussie-gamer.com/news/animal-crossing-new-leaf-and-other-nintendo-3ds-games-get-australian-release-dates/#/vanilla/discussion/embed/?vanilla_discussion_id=0 |archive-date=April 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}'''''New Leaf - Welcome Amiibo'''''<br>{{Video game release|JP|November 23, 2016|AUS|November 24, 2016|EU|November 25, 2016|NA|December 8, 2016}} | genre = [[Social simulation game|Social simulation]] | modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]] | platforms = [[Nintendo 3DS]] }} '''''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{Nihongo||とびだせ どうぶつの森|'''''Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori'''''|lead=yes}}}} is a 2012 [[social simulation game]] developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. In the game, the player controls a human character who takes on the role of mayor in a town populated with [[anthropomorphic]] animals.<ref name="announced">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=17921 |title=E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS announced |website=Official Nintendo Magazine |date=June 15, 2010 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |author=Dutton, Fred |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107062050/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=17921 |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As the fourth main title in the [[Animal Crossing|''Animal Crossing'' series]], it was released in Japan in November 2012, and in 2013 in international territories. The player has the ability to do activities such as bug catching, fishing, and befriending villagers. While retaining gameplay from older titles, ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' marks a change in the series, as the player becomes the mayor of the town, granting additional abilities such as to enact [[Local ordinance|ordinances]] and start [[public works project]]s. With the help of the townsfolk and a secretary named [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]], it is now the player's job to make the town a better place to live. The game received critical acclaim, with many citing the improvements upon prior entries in the series. Although the title was re-released under the [[Nintendo Selects]] banner in North America and as Happy Price Selection in Japan, an updated version with [[Amiibo]] support and new features was released for free on the [[Nintendo eShop]] in November 2016 for owners of the original version. A retail version of the update was released as '''''Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome Amiibo'''''{{efn|{{Nihongo||とびだせ どうぶつの森 Amiibo+|'''''Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori Amiibo Purasu'''''|lead=yes}}}} in late 2016. ==Gameplay== {{main|Animal Crossing#Gameplay|label 1=Gameplay of Animal Crossing}} [[File:Animal Crossing New Leaf Mayor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A player as town mayor with their assistant [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]]|alt=A player is seen in town hall, with Isabelle next to them.]] As in the previous installments of the ''Animal Crossing'' series, players take control of a villager who is moving into a new town. Upon arrival, the player is mistaken for the new town mayor and is given that position instead of being a standard resident. Like the previous games in the series, the game enables the player to explore their town, talk with other residents, and participate in various activities such as fishing and bug catching. Doing various activities or selling various items earns the player Bells, the game's currency, which they can use to purchase various items such as furniture or clothes, or pay loans used to renovate their house. The game is played in real-time, utilizing the Nintendo 3DS system's internal clock, with aspects such as shop opening times, species of wildlife and special events varying depending on the time of day and season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Time Traveling Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/animal-crossing-new-leaf/Time_Traveling_Guide |website=IGN |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' introduces many features to the series. Players begin the game living in a tent before their house, which eventually can be upgraded and expanded, is built.<ref name="coming" /> Customization, a major part of the series has been enhanced, particularly in the player's ability to modify their character's appearance and decorate their house. The character's pants can be modified in addition to their shirt, shoes, hat, and accessory; and the ability to hang furniture on walls has been added. Features previously only found in the Japanese ''[[Dōbutsu no Mori e+]]'' for the [[GameCube]], such as benches and lamp posts, have returned. Another addition is the ability to swim in the ocean that borders the town using a swimsuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/117/1179796p1.html |title=What's New in Animal Crossing 3DS |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=IGN |date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |last=Drake |first=Audrey |archive-date=June 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630162318/http://ds.ign.com/articles/117/1179796p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Players may visit each other's towns using the [[Nintendo Network]] and can be added to a friend's list that allows them to exchange messages with one another, while up to four players at a time can travel to the tropical Tortimer Island to take part in various minigames that award medals.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Surprises and Old Friends Await in New Leaf |website=[[Nintendo]] |publisher=Nintendo of America |access-date=May 18, 2013 |url=http://animal-crossing.com/newleaf/new-surprises/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607161621/http://www.animal-crossing.com/newleaf/new-surprises/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Players are able to take snapshots at any time, which are saved to the Nintendo 3DS Camera and can be shared.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Patricia |title=How To Easily Upload Your Animal Crossing: New Leaf Screenshots |url=https://kotaku.com/how-to-easily-upload-your-animal-crossing-new-leaf-scr-514474310 |website=Kotaku |date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> The game features a new mechanic that makes the player the town mayor, allowing them to have more customization of their town than in previous games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31401 |title=Animal Crossing: Jump Out Details Include Added Shops and Mayor Opportunities |website=Nintendo World Report |first=Josh |last=Max |date=August 22, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522231123/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31401 |archive-date=May 22, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> While taking part in mayoral duties is not obligatory to play the game,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/animal_crossing_new_leaf/mayor_me.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616040113/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/animal_crossing_new_leaf/mayor_me.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |website=[[Nintendo]] |publisher=Nintendo Europe |title=Mayor? Me? Really!? |access-date=May 18, 2013 }}</ref> being the head of town imparts two gameplay features new to the series: Public Works Projects and Ordinances. Public Works Projects allow players to collect funds from townsfolk and other visiting players to construct new objects such as bridges, fountains, and light poles, as well as add new facilities such as campsites and cafés.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/animal_crossing_new_leaf/mayor_publicworks.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616040138/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/animal_crossing_new_leaf/mayor_publicworks.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |title=What Are Public Works Projects? |website=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=May 18, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo Europe}}</ref> Ordinances gives players the ability to customize the way their town functions by passing laws, such as making the town wealthier, encouraging citizens to plant more flowers, or making the shops open earlier or later.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/animal_crossing_new_leaf/mayor_ordinances.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616040031/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/animal_crossing_new_leaf/mayor_ordinances.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |title=What Are Ordinances? |website=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=May 18, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo Europe }}</ref> Only the first person to register a save file on each copy of the game will be able to become mayor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Life as Mayor |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/animal-crossing-new-leaf/Life_as_Mayor |website=IGN |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> ''New Leaf'' makes various uses of the Nintendo 3DS's features, some of which are made available as time passes. Players can visit other players' towns via local play or online with up to four friends (an optional club membership on Tortimer Island allows players to explore the island with other online players). A Dream Suite feature allows players to download dream versions of other people's towns to freely explore. The Happy Home Showcase allows players to view the homes of other players encountered on [[StreetPass]], as well as order some of the furniture their house contains. A sewing machine in the Able Sisters shop allows players to create [[QR code]]s of their designs, which other players can download using the Nintendo 3DS's camera. Play Coins can be used to buy fortune cookies, which in turn can be exchanged for special prizes, such as rare items based on other Nintendo franchises.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Items |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/animal-crossing-new-leaf/Nintendo_Items |website=IGN |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> ==Characters== The game features two new animal types for regular villagers: hamsters and deer,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/7/3612466/more-trivia-than-you-ever-dared-to-know-about-the-3ds-animal-crossing |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=Polygon |date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |title=More trivia than you ever dared to know about the 3DS Animal Crossing |author=Gifford, Kevin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408020953/http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/7/3612466/more-trivia-than-you-ever-dared-to-know-about-the-3ds-animal-crossing |archive-date=April 8, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as two new [[non-player character]] personalities: "smug" and "uchi", the latter described as a "big sister type". New special characters include a dog named [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]], who acts as the player's personal assistant,<ref name="Newchar">{{cite web |title=Meet Four of Animal Crossing: New Leaf's New Characters |website=Siliconera |author=Ishaan |date=April 29, 2013 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/29/meet-four-of-animal-crossing-new-leafs-characters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503074559/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/29/meet-four-of-animal-crossing-new-leafs-characters/ |archive-date=May 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> her twin brother Digby who runs the Happy Home Showcase where players can view model home layouts,<ref>{{cite tweet |title=Did you know that my twin brother Digby works at the Happy Home Showcase? Having dinner together tonight. |user=animalcrossing |number=334805986600701953 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |date=May 15, 2013}}</ref> a [[sloth]] named Leif who runs a gardening center,<ref name="Newchar"/> and a pair of [[alpacas]] named Reese and Cyrus, who run a store called "Re-Tail", a recycling shop where players can sell unwanted items or customize furniture for their house.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/06/animal-crossings-porcupine-sisters-return-in-animal-crossing-new-leaf/ |title=Animal Crossing's Porcupine Sisters Return in Animal Crossing New Leaf |website=Siliconera |author=Ishaan |date=May 6, 2013 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510215027/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/06/animal-crossings-porcupine-sisters-return-in-animal-crossing-new-leaf/ |archive-date=May 10, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Tom Nook]] returns as a real-estate agent instead of a shopkeeper,<ref name="Newchar"/> his former business run by his nephews Timmy and Tommy.<ref name="Newchar2">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/13/animal-crossing-city-folks-shoe-shine-boy-kicks-is-a-big-man-in-new-leaf/ |title=Animal Crossing: City Folk's Shoe Shine Boy, Kicks, Is A Big Man In New Leaf |website=Siliconera |author=Ishaan |date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=May 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608040346/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/13/animal-crossing-city-folks-shoe-shine-boy-kicks-is-a-big-man-in-new-leaf/ |archive-date=June 8, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The skunk Kicks and hedgehog Labelle from ''[[Animal Crossing: City Folk]]'' are featured as shoe and accessory salespersons respectively,<ref name="Newchar2"/> while K.K. Slider has a position as a DJ at a nightclub called "Club LOL".<ref name="Newchar"/> The building is run by an [[axolotl]] named Dr. Shrunk, who is a stand-up comedian. Tortimer, the former mayor of the town, runs an island that can be visited by using the boat at the dock the day after the first home loan is paid off.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tropical Island |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/animal-crossing-new-leaf/Tropical_Island |website=IGN |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> ==Development== [[File:E3 2011 - Inside Nintendo Booth 3 (5834937078).jpg|thumb|''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' at [[E3 2011]]]] ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' was announced at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010|E3 2010]] as the first title in the series for the Nintendo 3DS.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/15/e3-2010-animal-crossing-3ds-announced |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=IGN |author=Thomas, Lucas M. |date=June 15, 2010 |access-date=May 15, 2013 |title=E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS Announced |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816095117/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/15/e3-2010-animal-crossing-3ds-announced |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> It later appeared at the 2011 [[Nintendo Space World|Nintendo World]] expo,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/28/nintendo-world-playable-lineup-announced |title=Nintendo World Playable Lineup Announced |website=[[IGN]] |date=December 28, 2010 |access-date=May 15, 2013 |author=Gantayat, Anoop |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519220353/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/28/nintendo-world-playable-lineup-announced |archive-date=May 19, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and again at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011|E3 2011]] during a short presentation where a release date was originally announced for later that year in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/07/e3-2011-nintendo-teases-more-games-update |title=E3 2011: Nintendo Teases More Games |website=[[IGN]] |author=Tanner, Nicole |date=June 7, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413182154/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/07/e3-2011-nintendo-teases-more-games-update |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo later pushed back the release to sometime in 2012 before the end of the fiscal year in March,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Strength of the Nintendo 3DS |website=[[IGN]] |author=George, Richard |date=September 23, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |publisher=IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/24/the-strength-of-the-nintendo-3ds?page=3 |archive-date=February 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210150145/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/24/the-strength-of-the-nintendo-3ds?page=3 |url-status=live }}</ref> and eventually finalized a Japanese release to Q3 of that year during a [[Nintendo Direct]] broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Crossing 3DS, Kirby Anniversary Updates |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=IGN |author=Drake, Audrey |date=April 20, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/04/21/animal-crossing-3ds-kirby-anniversary-updates |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413182030/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/04/21/animal-crossing-3ds-kirby-anniversary-updates |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its English title was revealed in October 2012, along with a tentative release date in the west for early 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Crossing 3DS Has a New Name |website=[[IGN]] |author=Drake, Audrey |publisher=IGN |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/25/animal-crossing-3ds-has-a-new-name |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512221219/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/25/animal-crossing-3ds-has-a-new-name |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2013, ''New Leaf''{{'}}s definite release date was announced for the following June in North America, Europe, and Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Release Date Announced |author=Goldfarb, Andrew |publisher=IGN |date=2013–2014 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/14/animal-crossing-new-leaf-release-date-announced |website=[[IGN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512194947/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/14/animal-crossing-new-leaf-release-date-announced |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was produced by [[Katsuya Eguchi]] and directed by the two-person team of Isao Moro and [[Aya Kyogoku]], who had both worked under the previous director of ''Animal Crossing: City Folk'' on the [[Wii]].<ref name="Iwata1">{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/0 |title=Iwata Asks: Animal Crossing New Leaf: A Fresh Start for Animal Crossing |website=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=May 12, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/0 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The idea for the player to become mayor did not manifest until about a year into development, which stemmed from the concept of giving the player much more freedom in designing and shaping the way their town grew.<ref name="Iwata1" /> Giving players the ability to pass ordinances and laws that involve shops being open earlier or later in the day was included to accommodate more personal schedules and play styles while still keeping the game synced with the passage of time in the real world.<ref name="Iwata2">{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/1 |title=Iwata Asks: Animal Crossing: New Leaf: Being the Mayor |website=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=May 12, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/1 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The main theme of the game was composed by Manaka Kataoka (formally known as Manaka Tominaga) while she composed the rest of the soundtrack with Atsuko Asahi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ymm.co.jp/p/detail.php?code=GTP01089680 |title=サンプル表示 |website=Yamahama Music Media |publisher=Ymm.co.jp |date=February 18, 2014 |access-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093155/http://www.ymm.co.jp/p/detail.php?code=GTP01089680 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Kazumi Totaka]] was the sound director for the game as he was for the rest of the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/animal-crossing-new-leaf/details/?platform=3ds |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Details and Credits for 3DS |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=Metacritic |date=June 9, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312214734/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/animal-crossing-new-leaf/details |archive-date=March 12, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Monolith Soft]] assisted on development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=モノリスソフト |url=https://www.monolithsoft.co.jp/ |access-date=2022-12-31 |website=モノリスソフト |language=ja |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019062215/https://www.monolithsoft.co.jp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Because the game was being designed for a 3D display instead of a flat one like its predecessors, the design team had to pay extra attention to how objects and characters appeared in regard to lighting and shading, and that no obvious flaws could be seen from the different perspective.<ref name="Iwata3">{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/2 |title=Iwata Asks: Animal Crossing: New Leaf: Battling With Volume |website=[[Nintendo]] |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/2 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Design coordinator Koji Takahashi admitted that it was difficult thinking up new animal species to represent townsfolk since they primarily wanted to stick to ones people were familiar with, and had "pretty much used up" the most familiar examples in previous games.<ref name="Iwata3" /> Alpacas in particular were chosen due to their recent popularity in the country.<ref name="Iwata3" /> In order to make ''New Leaf'' a more personal experience to players around the world, the development team researched customs and holidays from various countries, including collaborating with Nintendo offices around the world, and included them in versions of the game released in those regions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Developing Animal Crossing |url=https://www.crossingdesigns.com/ |website=Crossing Designs |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116151550/https://www.crossingdesigns.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> These include variations to in-game events such as [[New Year's Eve]], such as eating New Year noodles in the Japanese version, drinking sparkling cider in the English North American version, and eating a twelve-grape plate at midnight in the Spanish-language North American or European versions.<ref name="Iwata5">{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/4 |title=Iwata Asks: Animal Crossing: New Leaf: New Year's Noodles and a Dozen Grapes |website=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=May 12, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/4 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''New Leaf''{{'}}s English translation began in March 2012 by members of Nintendo of America's "Treehouse" localization group, who collaborated with the company's headquarters in Japan on creating in-game events.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/16/animal-crossing-new-leaf-translation-began-in-march-2012-says-localization-team/ |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Translation Began in March 2012 |website=Siliconera |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |author=Ishaan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608040127/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/16/animal-crossing-new-leaf-translation-began-in-march-2012-says-localization-team/ |archive-date=June 8, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The North American and European versions contain an extra feature not included in the Japanese release - the ability to download example home layouts in the Happy Home Showcase from Nintendo over the internet using the [[SpotPass]] feature in addition to StreetPass, which requires players to physically pass by one another. According to localization manager Reiko Ninomiya, this was added due to the difficulty players in those regions experience with meeting others in public who own the game, explaining that "in Japan Streetpass happens really, really frequently. People take trains. It's a different community culture. Here, you've got people living in remote parts where they don't have an opportunity to pass by people who have the game."<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Has An Extra Feature In The U.S. And Europe |website=Siliconera |author=Ishaan |date=May 17, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/17/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-an-extra-feature-in-the-u-s-and-europe/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607111652/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/17/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-an-extra-feature-in-the-u-s-and-europe/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Promotion and release== In October 2012, Nintendo Japan created an official ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' [[Twitter]] account featuring tweets from the character Isabelle that included updates and promotions about the game,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/doubutsuno_mori |title=とびだせ どうぶつの森 (doubutsuno_mori) on Twitter |website=[[Twitter]] |language=ja |publisher=Twitter |access-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104221531/https://twitter.com/doubutsuno_mori/ |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> with English versions established by Nintendo Europe in April 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/AC_Isabelle |title=Animal Crossing UK (AC_Isabelle) on Twitter |website=[[Twitter]] |publisher=Twitter |access-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801053608/https://twitter.com/AC_Isabelle |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Nintendo of America in May 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/animalcrossing |title=Isabelle (animalcrossing) on Twitter |website=[[Twitter]] |publisher=Twitter |access-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202163026/https://twitter.com/AnimalCrossing |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that month, Nintendo of America began to produce a series of roundtable video discussions with the English "Treehouse" localisation team providing information on the game's development and translation, which were posted on [[YouTube]] as well as the game's Twitter and [[Facebook]] pages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYwPI9yjY_Q |title=Isabelle from Animal Crossing: New Leaf Message! |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=YouTube |date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814203552/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYwPI9yjY_Q |archive-date=August 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo Japan would partner with the [[7-Eleven]] convenience store chain to offer special company-brand in-game items and furniture such as signs, shirts, and food displays by accessing [[Wi-Fi]] hotspots at select store locations across Japan between May and August 2013.<ref name="Promo">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/paper/index.html |script-title=ja:とびだせ どうぶつの森：『どうぶつの森』かわら版 |website=[[Nintendo]] |publisher=Nintendo Japan |access-date=May 17, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517121434/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/paper/index.html |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two ''Animal Crossing''-themed clothing items were also made available as downloadable content in the Japanese version of ''[[Style Savvy: Trendsetters]]'' for the 3DS, featuring designs based on the characters K.K. Slider and Gracie.<ref name="Promo" /> Nintendo released an ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf''-themed special edition 3DS XL handheld bundled with a digital copy of the game alongside its standard release in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/hardware/pack/egdj/index.html |language=ja |access-date=May 17, 2013 |website=[[Nintendo]] |publisher=Nintendo Japan |title=ニンテンドー3DS - とびだせ どうぶつの森 パック |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513123058/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/hardware/pack/egdj/index.html |archive-date=May 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2013, the bundle was announced for North America and Europe in a Nintendo Direct broadcast, which would also be made available on the same day as the game's release in both regions the following June.<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Crossing 3DS XL Bundle Confirmed |website=[[IGN]] |author=Macdonald, Keza |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/17/animal-crossing-3ds-xl-edition-for-europe |date=April 17, 2013 |access-date=May 17, 2013 |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502133435/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/17/animal-crossing-3ds-xl-edition-for-europe |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was made available as a download title on the [[Nintendo eShop]] in Japan on the same day as the physical release,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/popup/howto/eshopdownload/7s_LzOZI18nIHym0yObW_vYCzfwsRssn |title=New eShip Retail Game File Sizes Revealed |website=Nintendo World Report |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |author=Bivens, Danny |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606005144/http://www.nintendo.com/popup/howto/eshopdownload/7s_LzOZI18nIHym0yObW_vYCzfwsRssn |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> with a North American eShop version also accompanying its retail version.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/04/animal_crossing_new_leaf_pricing_emerges_on_north_american_eshop |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Nintendo Life |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Pricing Emerges on North American eShop |date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |author=Madden, Orla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414050326/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/04/animal_crossing_new_leaf_pricing_emerges_on_north_american_eshop |archive-date=April 14, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> A pre-order bonus figurine featuring a model of the town hall with the character Isabelle was also distributed exclusively by [[EB Games]] in Australia and [[Game (retailer)|Game]] retailers in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esperino.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf-pre-order-bonus-isabella-town-hall-mini-figurine#.UZaqPspXOF8 |website=Esperino |author=Ly, Hang-Veng |date=May 6, 2013 |access-date=May 17, 2013 |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Pre-Order Bonus Isabelle & Town Hall Mini Figurine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509194655/http://www.esperino.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf-pre-order-bonus-isabella-town-hall-mini-figurine#.UZaqPspXOF8 |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> A select number of American players chosen through Nintendo's Mayor Program were eligible to try the game out through the month of May and in return, chronicled their experiences online. On August 7, 2013, an app titled ''[[Animal Crossing Plaza]]'' was added to the [[Wii U]], allowing players to communicate with other ''Animal Crossing'' players. The feature was available until the end of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mike |last=Fahey |url=http://kotaku.com/animal-crossing-comes-to-the-wii-u-as-animal-crossing-p-1054370428 |title=Animal Crossing Comes To The Wii U With Animal Crossing Plaza |website=[[Kotaku]] |date=August 7, 2013 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=September 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824113925/http://kotaku.com/animal-crossing-comes-to-the-wii-u-as-animal-crossing-p-1054370428 |archive-date=August 24, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Europe and Australia, a promotion was announced in which if players register their game on [[Club Nintendo]] between August and October 2013, they would receive a code that they can give to another 3DS XL owner, allowing them to download a free copy of the game.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctvuh2laNcM Nintendo Direct presentation - 07.08.2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626142129/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctvuh2laNcM |date=June 26, 2016 }} via Nintendo Europe on [[YouTube]]</ref> In September 2016, Nintendo and Sanrio has announced that they will be bringing [[Hello Kitty]] to the game in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McMinn|first1=Kevin|title=Hello Kitty Meets Animal Crossing: New Leaf in November|url=http://nintendonews.com/blog/hello-kitty-animal-crossing-new-leaf/|website=Nintendo News|access-date=September 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907022806/http://nintendonews.com/blog/hello-kitty-animal-crossing-new-leaf/|archive-date=September 7, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> A large update known as ''Welcome amiibo'' was released on November 2, 2016, adding support for [[amiibo]] (including ''Animal Crossing'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', and ''[[Splatoon]]'' figurines and cards)—which can be used to summon villagers and vendors to a new campsite area. The update also features save data integration with ''[[Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer]]'', and backports the game's touchscreen controls for furnishing.<ref name="eurogamer-welcomeamiibo">{{cite news|title=New Leaf's generous Welcome amiibo! update is well worth a trip back to your Animal Crossing town|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-02-new-leafs-generous-welcome-amiibo-update-is-well-worth-a-trip-back-to-your-animal-crossing-town|newspaper=Eurogamer.net|date=November 2, 2016 |access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103134254/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-02-new-leafs-generous-welcome-amiibo-update-is-well-worth-a-trip-back-to-your-animal-crossing-town|archive-date=November 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="polygon-nov2016update">{{cite web|title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf's big amiibo update is available now|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/2/13497540/animal-crossing-new-leaf-update-welcome-amiibo|website=Polygon|date=November 2, 2016 |access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103124701/http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/2/13497540/animal-crossing-new-leaf-update-welcome-amiibo|archive-date=November 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Paget|first1=Mat|title=Your Animal Crossing Amiibos Will Finally Do Something in New Leaf|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/your-animal-crossing-amiibos-will-finally-do-somet/1100-6442007/|website=GameSpot|access-date=July 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723105301/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/your-animal-crossing-amiibos-will-finally-do-somet/1100-6442007/|archive-date=July 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Reception== {{Video game reviews <!--Formatting--> | state = <!--plain/collapsible--> | align = <!--left/right/none/inherit--> <!-- Aggregators --> | MC = 88/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/animal-crossing-new-leaf/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf for 3DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824175834/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/animal-crossing-new-leaf |archive-date=August 24, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> <!-- Reviewers --> | Fam = 39/40<ref name="Famitsu">{{cite web |author=Gifford, Kevin |url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/31/3580050/japan-review-check-animal-crossing-dynasty-warriors-silent-hill |title=Japan review check: Animal Crossing, Dynasty Warriors, Silent Hill |website=Polygon |date=October 31, 2012 |access-date=March 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613223747/http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/31/3580050/japan-review-check-animal-crossing-dynasty-warriors-silent-hill |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> | GSpot = 8/10 <ref>{{cite web|last=Mc Shea|first=Tom|title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf/reviews/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review-6409125/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608093247/http://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf/reviews/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review-6409125/|archive-date=June 8, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | IGN = 9.6/10 <ref name="IGN review of New Leaf">{{cite web|last=Drake|first=Audrey|title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review |website=[[IGN]] |date=June 4, 2013 |publisher=IGN|access-date=June 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604155740/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review|archive-date=June 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | Joystiq = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="Joystiq">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review/ |title=Animal Crossing New Leaf review: Beardo's lament |website=[[Joystiq]] |first=Mike |last=Suszek |date=June 4, 2013 |access-date=June 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608013919/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review |archive-date=June 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | NLife = {{Rating|9|10}} <ref name="Nintendolife review of New Leaf">{{cite web|last=Ellis|first=Katy|title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS) Review |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=June 4, 2013 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/animal_crossing_new_leaf|publisher=NLife|access-date=June 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608021821/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/animal_crossing_new_leaf|archive-date=June 8, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | Poly = 9/10<ref name="Polygonreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/game/animal-crossing-new-leaf/3240|title=ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW LEAF REVIEW: CIVIC DUTY|author=Griffin McElroy |website=Polygon |date=June 4, 2013|access-date=June 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610214512/http://www.polygon.com/game/animal-crossing-new-leaf/3240|archive-date=June 10, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> <!-- Custom aggregators --> <!-- Awards --> }} Following its announcement at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010|E3 2010]], very positive response was given to the game's visuals. Writing for [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]], Patrick Klepek felt that the game's use of the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[autostereoscopy|stereoscopic]] 3D effects gave the game world "real, tangible depth",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e3.g4tv.com/articles/71141/E3-2010-Preview-Animal-Crossing-3DS/|title=E3 2010 Preview: Animal Crossing 3DS |website=[[G4tv]] |date=June 17, 2010|publisher=G4TV|access-date=May 12, 2013|last=Klepek|first=Patrick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007153652/http://e3.g4tv.com/articles/71141/E3-2010-Preview-Animal-Crossing-3DS/|archive-date=October 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> while ''[[IGN]]'' editor Craig Harris described them as "subtle, but helpful". Both Harris and ''[[GameSpot]]'' editor Tom McShea praised the level of detail in the game's environment and objects, stating that they exceed that of the game's predecessor, ''Animal Crossing: City Folk'' for the Wii console.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1098788p1.html |last=Harris |first=Craig |title=E3 2010: Animal Crossing's Got Depth |website=[[IGN]] |date=July 16, 2010 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616075552/http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1098788p1.html |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265886/animal-crossing-impressions |title=Animal Crossing Impressions |website=[[GameSpot]] |last=McShea |first=Tom |publisher=GameSpot |date=June 15, 2010 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072056/http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265886/animal-crossing-impressions |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref> The game received "generally positive" reception, according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="Metacritic"/> The Japanese version of the game received a 39/40 from Japanese magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'', earning the publication's Platinum Award,<ref name="Famitsu" /> while the English version received an 8/10 from ''[[GameSpot]]'', and a 9.6/10 from ''[[IGN]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf/reviews/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review-6409125/ |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=June 9, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611063401/http://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf/reviews/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review-6409125/ |archive-date=June 11, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Audrey Drake |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=IGN |date=June 4, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609185444/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review |archive-date=June 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game debuted in Japan with sales of just over 800,000 units sold, with 200,000 of them being digital downloads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/big-in-japan-november-5-11-animal-crossing-new-leaf-6400172 |title=Big in Japan November 5–11: Animal Crossing: New Leaf |website=[[GameSpot]] |author=Toyad, Jonathon |date=November 16, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |publisher=GameSpot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324101127/http://www.gamespot.com/news/big-in-japan-november-5-11-animal-crossing-new-leaf-6400172 |archive-date=March 24, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/animal-crossing-new-leaf-sells-600k-at-retail-200k-digitally/ |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf sells 600K at retail, 200K digitally |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=Joystiq |date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |author=Fletcher, JC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308055715/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/animal-crossing-new-leaf-sells-600k-at-retail-200k-digitally/ |archive-date=March 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' became the first 3DS game in Japan to pass two million units sold, doing so in just under two months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tinycartridge.com/post/38868296933/animal-crossing-new-leaf-is-selling-like-hotcakes |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf is selling like hotcakes... |website=Tiny Cartridge |author=Caoili, Eric |access-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503163434/http://tinycartridge.com/post/38868296933/animal-crossing-new-leaf-is-selling-like-hotcakes |archive-date=May 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> By March 2013, 3.86 million copies had been sold.<ref name="acm13">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/3ds.html|title=Top Selling Software Units - Nintendo 3DS Software |website=Nintendo |date=March 31, 2013|access-date=April 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509191039/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/3ds.html|archive-date=May 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> By August 2014, 1.36 million copies had been sold in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/223539/Pokemon_beats_Mario_to_most_popular_3DS_game.php|title=Pokémon beats Mario to most popular 3DS game|last=Wawro|first=Alex|date=August 15, 2014|work=[[Gamasutra]]|publisher=[[UBM plc]]|access-date=August 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819071655/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/223539/Pokemon_beats_Mario_to_most_popular_3DS_game.php|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of March 2023, all versions combined had sold 13.04 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling 3DS games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html |title=Top Selling Software Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software |website=Nintendo |date=March 31, 2020 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171031014058/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A week following the release of the mobile app ''[[Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp]]'' in November 2017, sales of ''New Leaf'' saw a 214% sales increase in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sato|title=This Week In Sales: Debuts For Hatsune Miku, Beyblade, Ace Attorney, And Wolfenstei|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/11/29/week-sales-debuts-hatsune-miku-beyblade-ace-attorney-wolfenstein/|website=Siliconera|date=November 29, 2017 |access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208161520/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/11/29/week-sales-debuts-hatsune-miku-beyblade-ace-attorney-wolfenstein/|archive-date=December 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nintendo-looks-for-help-to-raise-its-smartphone-game-1513092568 |title=Big Boss Nintendo Seeks New Sidekicks in Smartphone Battle |website=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=December 12, 2017 |access-date=December 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215055142/https://www.wsj.com/articles/nintendo-looks-for-help-to-raise-its-smartphone-game-1513092568 |archive-date=December 15, 2017 |url-status=live |last1=Mochizuki |first1=Takashi }}</ref> ==Legacy== In the 2014 crossover fighting game ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]'', the character Isabelle appears as an Assist Trophy, while Tortimer Island appears as a playable stage in the 3DS version of the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smashbros.com/wiiu-3ds/us/howto/entry4.html |title=Stages 1 |access-date=February 13, 2017 |work=[[Nintendo]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316084417/http://www.smashbros.com/wiiu-3ds/us/howto/entry4.html |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smashbros.com/wiiu-3ds/us/howto/entry6.html |title=Assist Trophies |access-date=February 13, 2017 |work=[[Nintendo]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315150515/http://www.smashbros.com/wiiu-3ds/us/howto/entry6.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> She became a playable character in 2018's ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/2018/09/13/super-smash-bros-ultimate-isabelle-animal-crossing/|title='Animal Crossing' Favorite Isabelle Joins 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Roster|first=Matthew|last=Hayes|website=ComicBook.com|date=September 13, 2018|access-date=September 14, 2018}}</ref> In 2019, ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' named the game among the decade's best.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 100 best games of the decade (2010–2019): 100–51 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2019-11-04 |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/4/20944265/best-games-2019-2010-ps4-switch-xbox-pc-100-51 |language=en-US |access-date=2019-11-09 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=November 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110011916/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/4/20944265/best-games-2019-2010-ps4-switch-xbox-pc-100-51 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *{{Official website|http://animal-crossing.com/newleaf/}} *[https://www.mobygames.com/game/animal-crossing-new-leaf Animal Crossing: New Leaf] at [[MobyGames]] {{Animal Crossing series}} {{JGA GOTY}} {{Portal bar|Video games}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:2012 video games]] [[Category:2013 video games]] [[Category:Social simulation video games]] [[Category:Video game sequels]] [[Category:Animal Crossing video games]] [[Category:Nintendo 3DS games]] [[Category:Life simulation games]] [[Category:Nintendo Network games]] [[Category:Nintendo 3DS-only games]] [[Category:Nintendo 3DS eShop games]] [[Category:Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development games]] [[Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists]] [[Category:Video games that use Amiibo figurines]] [[Category:Video games developed in Japan]] [[Category:Video games scored by Kazumi Totaka]] [[Category:Japan Game Awards' Game of the Year winners]] [[Category:Spike Video Game Award winners]] [[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]'