It seems like a decade ago, but it was really only a few years back that COVID swooped in and changed all of our lives forever.
Sure, things have largely gotten back to normal, but they will never quite go back to the way they were ahead of the global pandemic. COVID-19 brought with it many things, including increased scrutiny of the government and the massive popularity of a little game called Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Far from the first Animal Crossing release, the 2020 game came at exactly the right time, propping up a spiraling public with its cutesy characters, simple gameplay, and wholesome, pure approach.
As such, Animal Crossing occupies a new position in the cultural zeitgeist. It’s perpetually relevant, even years after most people played New Horizons to absolute death, and Nintendo is cashing in on the franchise’s continued popularity through a collab with LEGO.
LEGO Animal Crossing sets release date
Within days of Nintendo’s announcement, fans knew exactly how long of a wait separated them from their new favorite LEGO sets. The LEGO Animal Crossing sets are slated to release on March 1, 2024, according to LEGO’s own site, which — at this point in the year — is right around the corner.
How much will LEGO Animal Crossing sets cost?
LEGO sets vary wildly in cost, with some coming in as easy, spontaneous purchases and others sporting eye-popping price tags. The Animal Crossing sets largely fall into the former, with the priciest reported set coming in at less than $80. That’s for the largest set, sporting 535 pieces, which will run purchasers $74.99. Other sets come in at $39.99 for 389 pieces, $29.99 for 233 pieces, $19.99 for 164 pieces, and $14.99 for the smallest set, which somehow sports more pieces at 170.
Which figures are included?
A teaser from Nintendo’s Twitter account announced the incoming LEGO sets and also gave a glimpse of which figures fans should expect. From left to right, the brief teaser features Rosie, Bunnie, Marshal, Kapp’n, Fauna, Julian, Isabelle, and, of course, Tom Nook. Each of the figures are part of their own separate sets and feature the same adorable style that helped popularize the Animal Crossing franchise.
Soon after the first teaser dropped, a much more thorough ad hit the web providing a deeper look at the incoming sets. The smallest set, selling for $14.99, is Julian’s Birthday Party. It comes with Julian, a range of decor — from balloons and presents to streamers — and some tasty birthday treats. The next in line, selling for $19.99, is Bunnie’s Outdoor Activities. The slightly larger set includes Bunnie, a vaulting pole, and some easily recognizable scenes from Animal Crossing. Charming trees, cherries, and flowers come included as well along with the various tools gamers took advantage of when New Horizons first dropped. The next set jumps a fair bit in price to $29.99 and allows users to build Kapp’n’s Island Boat Tour. The set comes with both Kapp’n and Marshal and includes island trees, beach items like umbrellas and lounges, and Kapp’n trusty boat. The final Animal Crossing set to come in under $50 is Isabelle’s House Visit, which will sell for $39.99. It includes fan-favorite character Isabelle on a visit to her friend Fauna’s home and the little house comes complete with presents, tools, flowers, and interchangeable windows.
That brings us to our final Animal Crossing set. Selling for $74.99, the largest set includes both Nook’s Cranny and Rosie’s House. Along with the vital Animal Crossing store and Rosie’s tidy home, the set comes with Tom Nook and Rosie figurines, various tools, a bike, a tea set, and so much more.
Do we know where we can buy LEGO Animal Crossing sets yet?
The LEGO Animal Crossing sets aren’t available just yet, but when they are, they shouldn’t be difficult to track down. LEGO’s website lists each of its currently available creations, which makes purchasing easy, but you’ll also likely be able to track down the sets at any location that offers up a healthy selection of LEGO products. Just don’t wait too long — once these sets drop, they’re guaranteed to go fast.
