A devoted fan of Animal Crossing: New Horizons received a heartening surprise when she received a thoughtful gift inspired by her beloved game character, Shino. Despite being released on the Nintendo Switch platform almost three years ago, the game still enjoys immense popularity and remains one of Nintendo's most successful titles. Animal Crossing: New Horizons gained immense popularity in 2020, becoming a top-selling game for the Nintendo Switch. As of March 31, 2023, the game has sold over 42 million copies worldwide. The game's developers continued to provide substantial post-launch support, culminating in the release of the Happy Home Paradise DLC in November 2021, which introduced new items and features to allow fans to customize their homes and islands. Although there have been no updates since 2023, many fans of Animal Crossing still actively support and share their experiences with the game online.
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons enthusiast was pleasantly surprised by her boyfriend's heartfelt gesture. Thomilo44 went the extra mile by designing a postcard inspired by Shino, a beloved villager from the game. Shino's message on the postcard conveyed her well wishes for the player's island, despite her own departure to pursue stardom like the iconic K.K. Slider. The player was initially saddened by Shino's exit, but the postcard lifted her spirits and brought a positive outlook for both herself and the villager. What made the postcard even more special was the inclusion of a picture of Shino, taken during her first tour after leaving the island. It was impressive to note that Thomilo44, who does not play the game, conducted thorough research to recreate the authentic text boxes and edited an in-game screenshot to achieve the final design.
Thomilo44's success in creating a beloved postcard for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, despite having no prior knowledge of the game, speaks to the passion and dedication of the game's community. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the return of beloved characters like Shino, who has become a fan favorite. It's clear that the Animal Crossing community is invested in the series for the long haul and eagerly anticipates what the future holds.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now for Nintendo Switch worldwide.