Animal Crossing: New Horizons Launch Buying Guide: Bonuses, Discounts, And More

Animal Crossing fans can finally embark on their island getaway--Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out now on Nintendo Switch. New Horizons is the first mainline entry in the series since 2012's Animal Crossing: New Leaf, so it's an exciting release for longterm fans. The Switch entry is making some big changes, including the ability to mold your island village however you see fit.

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, your character will be ferried (via the Nook, Inc. charter) to a deserted island, where you can set up a tent and start growing your own town through many of the same activities seen in previous Animal Crossing games: crafting items, shaking trees, fishing, and more. You can read the GameSpot Animal Crossing: New Horizons review-in-progress to learn more.

With Animal Crossing out now (and many people finding far more free time on their hands these days), you might be wondering about your purchase options, especially if you're looking to own a physical copy. Read on for more info on the best places to buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as its adorable special-edition Switch console. (Also, if you like what you see below, check out our full guide to where to find all the compatible Animal Crossing Amiibo, as well as the best Animal Crossing accessories and merchandise being released for New Horizons--there are so many cute products available!)

Be sure to check back as you start playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons--we've got a ton of guides up to help you make the most of your island experience, including how to invite new villagers to your island, how to get Isabelle, what to do on your first day, and more.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons pre-order bonuses

Animal Crossing: New Horizons didn't have any universal pre-order bonuses. Some retailers have been offering exclusive pre-order bonuses, like Target's adorable New Horizons-themed journal with a 2020 calendar, but most retailer bonuses have since sold out online. However, you can still get $10 reward credit with your purchase at Best Buy--you just need a free My Best Buy membership.

GameStop has been offering a double-sided poster with copies of Animal Crossing: New Horizons; however, quantities are limited, and even if you order online, you have to bring your order confirmation page to the store to get the poster, which isn't exactly ideal in the time of coronavirus. PowerUp Rewards members will also get $10 reward credit if they purchase New Horizons before March 26. You'll get a coupon that you have to redeem by April 9.

Buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons standard edition

The standard edition will come with the base game and any bonuses, which we've noted below. Check out all your current purchase options for New Horizons below. Be sure to check your delivery date during checkout--some physical copies could be delayed, especially from Amazon.

• Get it at Ebay -- $51
• Get it at Best Buy -- $60 (with $10 reward credit)
• Get it at Best Buy (digital) -- $60
• Get it at GameStop -- $60 (with $10 reward credit, poster)
• Get it at Amazon -- $60
• Get it at Amazon (digital download) -- $60
• Get it at Walmart -- $60
• Get it at Walmart (digital download) -- $60
• Get it at Nintendo Eshop (digital download) -- $60

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bell Bag bundle

While it'll cost you a little more, Best Buy has a cute bundle available to purchase. For $65, you get a copy of the game and the plush Bell Bag shown above.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition Switch console

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Finally, Animal Crossing fans' prayers have come true: a special-edition Nintendo Switch console inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons released on March 13. This is the newer model Switch that includes longer battery life, and it'll cost you $300.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of people wanted to get their hands on this pretty console, and it's now sold out online at all major retailers. We've been seeing it restocked sporadically at some stores since its release on March 13, but it never lasts for long. Some retailers have relisted it a pretty steep markup, too. You can see the online listings for each retailer below. Some stores will allow you to sign up with your email to get notified when it's back in stock.