Animal Crossing: New Leaf review

Animal Crossing: New Leaf is the 3DS game people keep coming back to daily. Nintendo describes a town where you end up as mayor after a mix-up by Isabelle, with powers to add bridges and buildings through public works projects and set ordinances that change how the town runs. There are no goals, no story and no ending, and the in-game clock follows the real one, so each day brings something new. You can shop, expand your home, build museum exhibits and design your own patterns. Up to four people can live in one town on a single Game Card, and a free Welcome amiibo update added amiibo support. Several social features, including online visits and the Dream Suite, depended on online services Nintendo ended for 3DS software on April 8, 2024, while StreetPass still works. DKOldies lists a used cartridge at $49.99 before sales.

Who it is for

Players who want a relaxed game to return to every day

Price

Used 3DS cartridge from $49.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $49.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• You become mayor and can add public works projects and set ordinances
• Game time runs at the same pace as the real world
• Up to four residents can share one town on a single Game Card
• Island trips with minigames that earn medals
• Free Welcome amiibo update added amiibo support and other features

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No goals or ending, so it lasts for months of short sessions
• Strength: Four players can share one cartridge, playing at different times
• Strength: Rated PEGI 3
• Weakness: Online visits and the Dream Suite relied on online services that ended in April 2024
• Weakness: Slow by design, since events follow the real calendar
• Weakness: Used price of $49.99 is higher than the three cheapest picks

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo
• EU release: June 14, 2013
• Players: 1 to 4
• Age rating: PEGI 3

Where it ranks

Animal Crossing: New Leaf is No. 4 in our Best 3DS Games of All Time verdict.