Build-A-Bear, in partnership with Nintendo, has released the new Animal Crossing: New Horizons collection. Launching exclusively online, the Animal Crossing Build-A-Bear collection includes animal friends, clothing, and accessories inspired by the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game on Nintendo Switch. The characters will also be available in brick-and-mortar stores this summer. Jennifer Kretchmar, Chief Digital & Merchandising Officer for Build-A-Bear, had this to say:
We are thrilled to bring the island fun of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to Build-A-Bear Workshop. Fans of the game are sure to be transported to an island paradise and ready for fun with these furry friends. This collection is perfect for gamers and collectors of all ages!”
The price is $51 in the U.S. or £39.50 in the U.K.
Create a world of your own alongside our Animal Crossing™: New Horizons friends! Available online now and arriving in stores soon!
US: https://t.co/Ow1pYIItQs
UK: https://t.co/5oNmXqy14m pic.twitter.com/6Yox06e4G8— buildabear (@buildabear) April 6, 2021
Characters Tom Nook and Isabelle from Animal Crossing are both available as Build-A-Bear friends. Both come with summer outfits. The products also feature the choice between New Horizons theme music or a mix of the characters’ favorite phrases. Fans have been hoping that more characters from Animal Crossing: New Horizons might be available down the road, but Build-A-Bear has not confirmed.
As with any viral online shopping opportunity, the stock almost immediately sold out. Many online spent their days commenting about the virtual queue on social media:
Fam, the queue time for the @animalcrossing x @buildabear collaboration is an hour 🙃 pic.twitter.com/5fDC0M9YQr
— PAR | McLambzy (@McLambzy) April 6, 2021
Those still interested in purchasing Tom Nook or Isabelle can sign up for updates when more become available. Build-A-Bear Workshop has over 500 stores worldwide where guests can create their own furry friends. This is the first time Animal Crossing characters have been available, but Build-A-Bear did release Avengers: Endgame friends…to mixed reviews.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been a huge success for Nintendo. It has helped drive the popularity of the Switch, selling 31 million copies worldwide. It also broke the console digital download record. The initial release has spawned countless popular updates. Fans can also enjoy an upcoming manga series and a themed iPhone skin.