Nintendo kicks off Animal Crossing Switch marketing in Japan

Nintendo has kicked off its marketing campaign for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in Japan.

A TV spot published on New Year’s Day features character Tom Nook giving a presentation on his company’s new deserted island package.

The advert also unveils the game’s Japanese box art, which is likely to match that used in North America and Europe.

In addition, Nintendo Japan shared an Animal Crossing themed New Year animation on its Instagram page.

New Horizons will release in March. The game was originally scheduled for 2019, but it was delayed partly to avoid an unhealthy crunch period for the game’s developers, according to Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser.

The most recent New Horizons trailer showed off idyllic island life during Nintendo’s E3 2019 briefing.

In-between crafting items, planting flowers, and sitting by a roaring campfire, the islanders were seen sat by the ocean’s edge, watching the waves.

“Players embark on an ultra-exclusive Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package and enjoy a peaceful existence full of creativity, charm and the freedom to roll up their sleeves and make their new life whatever they want it to be,” Nintendo said via a press release.

“Players can collect resources they can craft into everything from creature comforts to handy tools as they set up a homestead they can decorate freely, both inside and out.”