The highly anticipated Animal Crossing: New Horizons collaboration with Build-A-Bear Workshop sold out online quickly after its April 6 launch. However, for those hoping to find a large selection of popular characters from the Nintendo Switch game, there has been a good deal of disappointment. Tom Nook and Isabelle made up the entire selection of the Build-A-Bear collection, leaving out some of the most popular Animal Crossing characters, though a third plushie on the way has the chance to remedy this issue.
Tom Nook and Isabelle are both popular mascots of the franchise. The NPCs are well known and easily recognized by most who have heard of the Animal Crossing games, but they are also overused in New Horizons merchandise, with pre-made plushies, t-shirts, and accessories easily found at various retailers. The Animal Crossing Build-A-Bear collection was an opportunity for other popular Animal Crossing characters to become available as plushies, including some of the most beloved NPCs and Villagers.
Build-A-Bear Workshop announced on Twitter that there will soon be a restock of Tom Nook and Isabelle toys, and it also confirmed a third character will be revealed during summer 2021. Much like the initial teaser for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons collection, there haven't been any hints as to who this third plushie might be, and - if the method of Tom Nook and Isabelle's reveals is repeated - it doesn't seem likely any information will be dropped before the new character actually becomes available for purchase.
Why Raymond Makes Sense For The Third Animal Crossing Build-A-Bear
When the Build-A-Bear collection adds its third option, it should be the popular Animal Crossing villager Raymond. Raymond is a character exclusive to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, making him an excellent ambassador for the large selection of villagers available in the game. He has also enjoyed massive popularity among fans for his smug personality and adorable appearance. Raymond would also make a handsome plushie, with his vest, glasses, and differently colored eyes.
It's possible there could be more than three Animal Crossing characters added to the collection over the course of 2021. Previous Build-A-Bear Workshop collections have often added new options slowly when partnering up with popular franchises like Pokémon, Star Wars, and How To Train Your Dragon. Because of this, Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans should check back with the collection throughout the year.
Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop/Twitter