Enthusiasts of Animal Crossing: New Horizons are buzzing with anticipation over a potential partnership between the beloved life simulation title and IKEA. These rumors gained traction following a cryptic teaser on IKEA France’s official TikTok account, which prominently featured the franchise’s iconic furniture leaf emblem.
Neither Nintendo’s island getaway nor the Scandinavian home furnishings giant are newcomers to brand tie-ins, making a joint venture highly plausible. While Nintendo frequently prioritizes internal crossovers—such as The Legend of Zelda integration—external brands like LEGO have successfully carved out a niche in the game’s universe. This wouldn’t be the first time these two entities have been linked; back in 2020, IKEA delighted fans by reimagining its catalog with a distinct New Horizons aesthetic. Furthermore, IKEA has a history of virtual presence, having previously released a dedicated expansion pack for The Sims 2.
The brief TikTok clip doesn’t just lean on visuals; it incorporates unmistakable sound effects from the Animal Crossing series and utilizes the franchise’s official hashtag. This level of specific branding suggests a degree of coordination that goes beyond a mere tribute, implying Nintendo’s likely approval. The primary mystery remains: if a collaboration is indeed underway, what form will it take? Fans are currently debating whether we are looking at a physical furniture collection or fresh digital assets for their virtual islands.
Both scenarios are well within the realm of possibility. While Nintendo previously suggested that major content patches had concluded, the developer has not definitively closed the door on smaller, item-based updates. We have seen specific furniture drops before—most notably the Super Mario anniversary set—so a collection of IKEA-inspired decor is a distinct possibility. Conversely, the idea of walking into a local IKEA warehouse and finding a life-sized Froggy Chair is equally tantalizing. For now, the community remains in a state of hopeful suspense.
Source: Polygon
