It’s true, fellow campers: Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is shutting down on November 28, 2024.
For a game that’s been around since 2017, it’s going to be a bittersweet goodbye. But Nintendo has a pretty sweet parting gift in store for us—Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete! This new version will launch on December 2, just a few days after the original game goes offline.
Here’s what to expect in these final days of Pocket Camp, plus all the juicy details on what comes next.
A November Full of Events to Say Goodbye Right
Nintendo isn’t just letting cozy mobile game Pocket Camp quietly fade away—they’re making this last month a real celebration for fans. November has tons of events lined up, including:
- Isabelle’s Autumn High Tea (fancy fall vibes, anyone?)
- A big fishing tournament
- A mini-gyroid scavenger hunt
- Tons of giveaways (because, let’s be real, we all love free stuff)
- And a surprise event right before the shutdown
Nintendo is really letting us live it up in Pocket Camp one last time, urging everyone to “please continue to enjoy Pocket Camp until the very end.”
For those of us who’ve spent years building campsites, it’s both exciting and a little sad. It’s clear Nintendo wants to end this chapter on a high note, and fans on Reddit and elsewhere have been thrilled with the approach. One Reddit fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “Am I still sad that the current version is ending??? Yes. But at least we have a year of new items to help ease out of that.”
This is Nintendo at its best, giving us a chance to say goodbye to a game that’s been a comfort for so long before entering a new era.
Welcome to Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete
The best news? Pocket Camp isn’t entirely going away. Instead, it’s transforming into Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete, a new app where we can continue our campsite adventures. It’s launching just a few days after the original game ends, on December 2. The new version will cost $9.99 (yep, just a one-time payment—no more in-app purchases).
You can snag it at this price until January 30, 2025, after which it goes up to $19.99.
And guess what? With this new version, you won’t need an internet connection to play! That’s right—no more having to be online all the time to enjoy your camp. Play on an airplane! Or during an outage! Or even while camping IRL!
And no in-app purchases, either. It’s the Pocket Camp we know and love, but in a more chill and cozy package.
Keeping Your Campsite Going Strong
If you’re like me and have collected way too much stuff over the years, you’re in luck!
Nintendo is making it easy to transfer your existing data to Pocket Camp Complete. All you have to do is link your save data to your Nintendo Account by June 1, 2025. This way, you can carry over your precious items and goodies, so you’re not starting from scratch in the new app.
New Features for Campers
While Pocket Camp Complete brings over all the classic features we love (fishing, scavenger hunts, garden events, and more), it also introduces some cool new things that make it feel fresh:
- Camper Cards: You can now create “Camper Cards” to showcase your favorite things—whether that’s your go-to animal buddy, a favorite outfit, or a design you’re proud of. You can share these cards through QR codes, so your friends can see your unique style!
- Whistle Pass: This is an entirely new spot in the game where you can gather with friends for social activities. Think of it like a mini hangout spot with live music performances in-game. It’s cozy and brings more of that social vibe we loved in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
On top of these new features, Pocket Camp Complete will have monthly and seasonal events. So even though the main game is ending, the campsite experience will still feel alive and fresh, with new activities popping up every month. Plus, you can earn Leaf Tokens to unlock items and speed up crafting—no in-app purchases required!
Pocket Camp Complete Feels Like the Perfect Farewell
For long-time Pocket Camp fans, this is the perfect way to say goodbye to the original app while keeping our love for the game alive. We don’t have to leave our favorite animal friends behind. And knowing Nintendo, they’re going to add even more little touches that make the Complete version special.
So, mark your calendars! Let’s enjoy these final November events together, cherish the memories we’ve made in Pocket Camp, and get ready for the new chapter with Pocket Camp Complete. The magic of cozy gaming continues, one campsite at a time.
Up Next…
I’ve actually compiled a list of cozy games like Animal Crossing, for those who need a pick-me-up. I was thinking more of “like New Horizons” but hopefully Pocket Camp enjoyers will find something they like, too.
Stay cozy, gamers!