Opinion: Animal Crossing is Nintendo’s gift to a coronavirus-weary world

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is breaking records as the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch game in history for multiple countries, according to international sales reports. — Nintendo

We live in troubling times. Millions are suffering from anxiety, distress and loneliness as they deal with the uncertain health and economic consequences of the global coronavirus pandemic. If ever there was a moment for the world of Nintendo, this is it.

Enter Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the latest version of Japanese giant Nintendo Co’s virtual-life simulation game. Released last Friday for use on the company’s Switch gaming system, it has seemingly come out at the perfect time for those seeking much-needed escapism.