The first collectibles available from the collaboration between Build-A-Bear Workshop and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Tom Nook and Isabelle, are coming back into stock soon and the collection’s new character is set to be revealed this summer. The partnership between Nintendo’s adorable life sim and the stuffed animal retailer was announced nearly a month ago, though, at the time, there was little information on what Animal Crossing fans could expect. Stating simply that the fruits of the partnership would become available soon, many were left wondering when the drop would come and what characters would be included.
Build-A-Bear answered one of these questions earlier this week when it revealed the collection would be going live on April 6, the day following the announcement. Despite the company’s message giving detailed instructions on how to prepare to purchase the upcoming stock, it left out a very important detail: which characters would be available. Eventually, fans discovered the initial launch from Build-A-Bear’s Animal Crossing crossover would include Tom Nook and Isabelle. The two central characters run the busy resident services in the franchise’s latest installment, making them logical choices for the collection. Unfortunately, the collectibles were snapped up quickly and leaving many unable to purchase the pair.
The day after the collection became available, Build-A-Bear took to Twitter to reassure fans that Tom Nook and Isabelle would become available again in the near future and to announce an additional character would join the collection this summer. Included in the post is an image of the currently-revealed character plushies, both sporting clothes recognizable from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The identity of the new toy remains a mystery, as does its exact release date. The summer window is vague, though the retailer encourages fans to stay tuned for more information.
Speculation over the new addition is running rampant in the absence of any official information. Many hope to see Animal Crossing fan-favorite villagers get the stuffed animal treatment. Though it is possible that Build-A-Bear will continue to focus on characters similar to Tom Nook and Isabelle that regularly recur throughout the series – like the nocturnal museum steward, Blathers.
Which new character will be joining Build-A-Bear’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons collection may not be the biggest question for fans of the collaboration. The first set of creatures rapidly sold out, and there is no concrete information as to when Tom Nook and Isabelle will come back. Even if it is soon, will everyone who wants to purchase the pair will be able to? These are issues Build-A-Bear is familiar with regarding its special offerings and the retailer has its work cut out for it if it wants to meet demand before the next character goes on sale.
Source: Build-A-Bear/Twitter