Well, that was a jam-packed Animal Crossing Direct, wasn't it? Here at NLHQ, we're all frantically trying to type out the ten billion things that were just announced in that 20-minute showcase, and our fingers have already almost fallen off.
For now, though, let's have a look at all the new, returning, and improved special characters for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as some of the ones we probably won't be seeing...
On this page:
New and returning characters
With the new and improved Harv's Island shopping upgrade, Kapp'n's islands, The Roost, and the Happy Home Paradise DLC, many characters will be returning to the Animal Crossing world. Let's see who's been confirmed so far:
Brewster
Ah, we already knew this one, but it's nice to finally see him in the flesh feathers. Who's a pretty bird?
Wardell
Can't say we were expecting this, but Wendell the Walrus seems to have a Manatee relative named Wardell. He's extremely cute, all round and soft, like a big sea-marshmallow. He seems to have something to do with the Happy Home Paradise DLC.
LOOK AT HIS LITTLE HAT.
Lottie
The Happy Home Paradise DLC also includes Lottie, the niece of Lyle, who ran the shop in Happy Home Designer, the Happy Home Academy in New Leaf, and was a generally creepy (but helpful) insurance agent in Wild World. He doesn't appear to be here, though — maybe, like Joan, he retired to let the new generation get on with it. Lottie's lovely, though. We can't see ourselves missing Lyle.
Niko
Who's this little monkey? He's all over the place in the Happy Home Paradise footage... but we've not seen him before. A new friend?? According to the new amiibo cards, his name is Niko, and we'll presumably find out more soon.
Kapp'n
Kapp'n makes a triumphant return as the ferryman, taking players to new, uninhabited islands where the time of day, weather, and season is different every time. That means it's much easier to catch bugs and fish when you aren't under the right conditions back at home!
Kappn's also got a trunk full of sea shanties to sing, which — if New Leaf is anything to go by — contain lyrics with a surprising amount of wife-related tales and that one time he did a tax evasion.
Tortimer
Joan and Lyle are nowhere to be seen, but fellow old person Tortimer is still kickin'. The former mayor and current tortoise can be visited on Harv's Island, where it looks like he'll be managing storage — maybe so that you can still access the storage while shopping?
Harriet
The stylish stylish poodle Harriet is returning as part of Harv's Island's new shopping experience, and she brings with her a few new hairstyles, too. There are 11 new styles to be tried out, but it's not clear how many of those are from Harriet, and how many are from the new Nook Points reward.
Gyroids
Listen, if Lloid counts as a character, then so do these all-singing, all-dancing little guys. Sure, they're part statue, part decoration, part creepy votive, and part... plant (you'll have to plant them, water them, and grow them), but we love them, and we're glad to see them back. Plus, now they're customisable, and come in some rather gorgeous new designs!
Katrina
The fortune-telling, occasionally-screaming panther is back, ready to tell you various nonsense about your future. In the past, her fortunes have affected gameplay a little — they can make villagers like you more, or like you less; they can lead to the player getting more Bells or rare items; but if Katrina gives you a bad fortune, you'll have bad luck for a little while, causing you to fall over a lot.
Upgrades to existing Special Characters
Some of the special characters we've had in New Horizons for a while are getting new features as part of this update, too!
Handsome Moustachioed Lloid?
Who IS he? We've seen Lloid around town — he raises funds for various projects — but the version on Harv's Island seems to be following in Harv's hippie footsteps with a rather fetching moustache. Lloid, we like this new look.
Redd
Redd now has a permanent-looking art shop on Harv's Island, which means no more waiting for the infrequent visits of his creepy little boat. Hooray!
Saharah
Honestly, Saharah's visits — especially if you have friends who'll alert you when she's on their island — seem to be the most frequent of all the special characters, but it's nice to see her set up shop on Harv's Island all the same.
Leif
We love Leif's little cart that he wheels into the plaza from time to time, but we have missed his shop from New Leaf. Luckily, Harv has room for him, too, so we'll be able to buy plants more frequently!
Reese & Cyrus
The married couple have already been in the game as the Wedding Seasons hosts, but now they're back to their old ways as well, helping you craft and customise furniture. "But I can already do that," you cry — well, the furniture they can customise will be different, and only customisable with them. For some reason. You can find them both at Harv's Island!
Kicks
Kicks can appear in the plaza every now and again, selling shoes, socks, and bags after the Able Sisters CRUELLY took over the only clothes shop in town, but now he'll get the chance to kick it at Harv's Island, too.
Who's still missing?
Some people have favourites that still aren't in the game, and we don't blame you... but we probably won't be seeing these ones unless Nintendo has some surprises up their sleeves. Maybe they'll visit The Roost, though...
Digby
Isabelle's baby brother has, in the past, been tied to the Happy Home Academy — but we didn't see him in Happy Home Paradise. Perhaps the pups fell out?
Pelly, Phyllis, and Pete
The three postal pelicans haven't been seen since New Leaf... and they aren't even mentioned in New Horizons. Then who was mail?!?!
Blanca
Not everyone will miss the slightly unnerving blank-faced cat, who would ask you to draw on her face, but... well... she's not here any more.
Booker and Copper
Do we really need cops on a paradise island? No. But they could at least run the Lost and Found like they used to...
Resetti
Whether you like the angry mole or not, it would be nice to see his face again, or visit him in his little underground hole.
Gracie
Gracie has been pretty much entirely replaced by Label, so we're not likely to see her lovely long neck any time soon.
Kapp'n's family (Leilani, Leila, and Grams)
Since we're getting Kapp'n... maybe we'll get to meet his wife, daughter, and mum? These three kappas ran Tortimer Island and the gift shop in New Leaf, so they could make a return... or they could be at home, having gotten rich off all the money you spent at Tortimer's Island.
So, there you have it — a ton of new animal friends, coming to your Nintendo Switch on November 5th. Some are only available in the paid DLC, of course, but let us know what you think of the new additions, and whether you really miss some of the unconfirmed ones, too, in the comments below!
This article is part of our Animal Crossing: New Horizons walkthrough, which includes a Complete Fish List, Complete Bug List and Complete Sea Creatures List. If you're looking for specific fish or bug, we can tell you how to catch the elusive Coelacanth, Mahi-Mahi, Giant Trevally, Stringfish, Golden Trout and all the Sharks and Beetles, along with a full list of Critters leaving at the end of the month. We've also compiled a Complete Villager List and a Complete List of K.K. Slider Songs, as well as the Best Custom Design Codes and Islands we've found so far, and the best islands to visit using Dream Address Codes.
We can also help with How to Spot Redd's Fake Paintings and Statues, How to Make Bells Fast, How to Breed Flowers, How to Get more DIY Recipes, How to Upgrade Nook's Cranny, where and when to find special characters like Gulliver, Sable, Label, Wisp, Celeste, Pirate Gulliver and Jack, plus tips on using the Star Wand, Tool Ring, Rock Trick, Cutting Down and Moving Trees, using amiibo on Harv's Island, How to Back Up Your Island Data, How to Time Travel, How to Get a 5-Star Island Rating and a whole lot more.
And finally Where to Buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch if for some reason you haven't yet picked up the game.
Comments (50)
Tortimer.
I am pleased.
I missed Kapp'n so much.
Well, at least one of the otters is returning…
VERY HAPPY HERE
As the Final update, i will be happy if Resetti and Lyle never return on ACNH.
I do not like those guys at all.
Resetti is a yada yada of Quit without Saving.
Lyle is a yada yada of Feng Shui.
Do shut up, dudes !
Don't lecture me about quit without saving and yada yada about Feng Shui. Mind your business !
Also, i missed Copper.
He was a handsome Chibi Police dog.
@KateGray I think the guy you're calling Wendell is maybe a relative instead. He was named 'Wardell' in the trailer.
Finally I can start back working on my artwork collection. I haven’t seen Redd in months.
@GamesConvo He is. Go to 22:53 in the video to see his name clearly.
Those two new characters are Niko and Wardell.

I mean, they're right there in the new amiibo cards from an earlier article.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/10/animal-crossing-series-5-amiibo-cards-launch-this-november-48-cards-included#enlarge-3
Nice to see some old faces, it's heartwarming but also reminds me that my life is quite sad and my standards are very low.
-but that's what Animal Crossing is for isn't it?
I'm really happy for this much needed content, and liked everything i'd seen so far, I was hoping for Dr. Shrunk to appear, maybe he will. I loved his Goofy antics from previous games.
This update has really enticed me back into New Horizons. YAY.
I really can't wait!!
Tortimer lives!!!!
@GamesConvo good eye!!! I'll give this an edit — I was wondering how he turned from walrus to manatee!
This update seems great. But it's depressing that it feels like this is the game that was actually supposed to launch as ACNH, with a lot of the missing content that should otherwise have been in the box, milking it for another year. If it launched with this content last year, I may have loved the game. But as is, we spent a year and a half with what felt like an unfinished public beta, and only after burning out on that minimal content to the point that I'm not sure if I ever want to see AC again from sheer frustration and disappointment, do they release the rest of the game.
If I'd waited to buy it for a year and a half, it may well have been a favorite game. Now it's kind of a bad memory that probably gets fixed soon, but I don't feel motivated to consider going back to it.
@RupeeClock please don't be mean — we've had to write these articles incredibly quickly, and there are going to be details we miss.
@NEStalgia,
You are never happy.
@KateGray
Terribly sorry, I didn't mean to be reductive.
It is not possible that Tortimer comes to Harv‘s island as he lies at my graveyard! Hm, is he a zombie turtle maybe?
@johnvboy Nah, I'm happy when I get a complete game in a box for $60 that's not worse than prior iterations of the same game. I'm unhappy when I don't, and then a year and a half later they offer me the rest of the game
"iPhone XII $1299.99. Wifi, Bluetooth, video playback, iris scanning, telephoto lens, video recording to be enabled in 18 months absolutely free!"
@NEStalgia,
I guess it's down to your own personal view, for me I have had more than enough to do, but it has got time for some more content, makes the game feel fresh again, adds more value to an already awesome package.
Wow, this is a pretty huge update!
My one question: does this mean a reduction in special visitors since they are apparently going to set up shop on Harv's island?
@johnvboy We can agree that the expansion adds value and is good. But it's just "too late" to win back someone that was unsatisfied with the game but still tried to make it work. I think I'd have been much more in your camp of enjoyment of the game if it released in this state originally. Same with Mario Tennis, Mario Golf....the whole litany of incomplete games Nintendo sells first, then finishes making if it sells well. Furukawa's Nintendo is not the Nintendo I've known for 35 years. Feels a lot more like the EA I've known for 15.
@NEStalgia,
Perhaps, but for the mass majority this will simply offer more free content.
i was really hoping for digby, always living in isabelles shadow. he would been an obvious choice for the happy home dlc too
@johnvboy The mass majority also likes endless Marvel films, and now endless Marvel games. Not sure I give a faff of what the majority thinks about much of anything.
About customizing with Reese & Cyrus - In New Horizons most of the furniture have color variants that are permanent and can not be changed with customization. These color variants are functionally separate items.
Take the Retro Gas Pump for example - the sign on top is customizable but the pump's color is not. So if you only have a black pump but want a red one you have to go search for a red one. The game as it is now won't let you just repaint the item you already have.
Reese & Cyrus' customizations unlock those permanent color variants. This is especially important for the Nook Miles items (like the Lighthouse) because each island only gets one variant of each of them; you had to trade with other players to get the rest.
Huh, I always thought Digby was the oldest. Be nice to see the guy again.
@NEStalgia,
We can't always suggest most people are wrong, simply because we do not agree with them, perhaps we are wrong.
New Leaf was so packed with special characters that it’d be hard to live up to, as far as the “Who’s still missing?” section goes. That said, I do still miss all the ones listed, and I raise you Dr. Shrunk!
Is Joan in the game?
@johnvboy Yes, I see the error of my ways. The world is right. Starlordermanerine Avantherwars of the Galaxy 4eva!!
In fact, can I just link Disney and Nintendo directly into my bank account? They can just garnish wages or something. It's their right. Heck, throw Xi in there, too, he earned it!
@NEStalgia,
No error, just your own personal opinions, we can't all like the same things surely, wow I am usually the cynical one.
@johnvboy Yes, it's ok to like bad things.
We also missing Dr. Shrunk
@NEStalgia,
To be honest I am with you on the endless Marvel movies, although I do like some of them, usually the more "out there" ones like Deadpool.
@johnvboy Haha, that's the spirit! And a humbug to you as well!
@NEStalgia,
I like humbugs to be honest, and polo mints as well.
Tortimer's there? I just wish there was something like the island activities from New Leaf.
@johnvboy lol. Mrrrgrrrrgrrrr
@NEStalgia,
Did you get your OLED pre-order sorted, or are you still looking for one?.
@johnvboy Got it safe and sound! Thanks for remembering. You got white too, right? I'm impressed with the fit and finish... It's unusually tight for a Nintendo product. Shockingly heavy though compared to the already heavy original. Also a surprising amount of metal. The frame around the screen, but also the kickstand might be the same magnesium as the Surface Pro, which explains some of the cost bump. It looks and feels like the plastic above it, but notice it's cold to the touch where the plastic above it isn't?
@NEStalgia,
It's an awesome piece of kit and the kickstand feels very premium, as does the whole package to be honest, the dock also feels much better as well, yes I opted for the White version as I already have the neon joycon controllers, and the white ones were new.
Must admit have not noticed much of a weight difference myself, and I have already sold my original Switch on e-bay, one more note, the cartridge cover everybody was so concerned about is far easier to access than the original's.
Not noticed the difference in temperature on the unit, I will have to have a feel myself.
@johnvboy Nintendo hardware usually has pretty chintzy feel to the fit and finish. OG 3DS was uncharacteristically dense and refined. XL was..... The opposite. But the new oled reminds me of that launch 3ds in density and feel.
The dock is less creaky for sure, though I'm disappointed they didn't add silicone or felt or some kind of standoff on the console to align it better and avoid the dock scratching the screen issue. Missed opportunity there. It does have some change to improve it but they didn't go all the way with that.
I haven't scaled it, but holding them in each hand, it's distinctly heavier. More metal, glass, it makes sense.. But it was already a heavy handheld so it was surprising to feel it weigh even more. Surprisingly it hasn't bothered my while playing though, and I thought for sure it would. One handed holding, which I'll do for something like Ace attorney, I don't think would be nice though.
You know, I've only done digital so far. I tried to open that slot just to see, and I couldn't get it open! I thought that was exaggeration, but I honestly haven't opened the cover at all because my day 1 attempts all failed and I'm not playing a physical game currently anyway so I didn't try again. It LOOKS like it should be easier than the old one, but my down-to-the-quick nails just didn't fit in that slot!
Haha, the temperature difference itself didn't matter, but I happened to notice it when I picked it up on a chilly day outside. It just made me realize that a part that looks, feels, and sounds when tapped like plastic is actually metal. And magnesium is one of the few metals that could be that light, rigid, and thin and feel like plastic. That's why Surface and SLR cameras are made of it.... And it still feels like plastic . It's just the kickstand not the whole back, but still, unexpected premium from Nintendo. And remarkable that the 1" wide ABS strip they thought was fine originally got replaced with like 5"of magnesium.
@NEStalgia,
Very true the product is very high end, as for the dock scratching the screen, pretty sure the OLED comes with a built in screen protector already applied, although I must admit I have had two previous Switch consoles, the original and longer battery models, both with the original docks and had no issues with the screens getting scratched, even my daughter who is nowhere near as careful as myself, has also had no issues.
@johnvboy I think they said the applied film on the screen is anti scatter, so it's just there to glue the pieces together in the event the tempered glass shatters. Afaik all "gorilla" type glass has that standard which is why dropped phones crack instead of exploding into crumbs like automotive glass. I don't use screen protectors (and I really wonder how peeling adhesive affects the finish of that anti scatter film, if you try to use one and remove it).
Depends how scratch resistant the film and glass is. My phone's sometimes get impossible to see hairline scratches only visible under scrutiny, and I attribute that to pocket dust of hard minerals more than anything else. If OLED is really gorilla (does Samsung even make non gorilla OLED panels? At that thinness anything else would flex) then the dock would be literally incapable of scratching it and the issue really would be solved. The anti scatter film could be the scratch weakness though.
I have 3 og switches in the house, and I'm reasonably careful docking them, but all 3 definitely have carved a cluster of etches along the dock rails. I don't think scratching on those is even avoidable along the screen edge, it's natural wear and tear with the design. At least the launch model. I'm sure if you look really carefully you'll see them, mostly over the black border left and right of the screen on the clear lens but mostly not over the lcd, so it doesn't interfere with the image (mostly) but it's still not what you want to see when using it properly.
@NEStalgia,
More details about the protective coating would be nice, and also the dock is a new design, so perhaps this has been altered slightly too.
I did look into some foam padding for my original model Switch dock, but never bothered in the end.
@johnvboy Yeah, the dock definitely has a new design on the rails. It doesn't do anything to help with side to side alignment or skew, which I think is crazy not to have done, there easily could have been a dovetail that lines it up but the slope of the vertical rails does feel like it's tapered to maybe avoid contact above the bottom edge. I'd still like to have seen a soft bumper involved but that angle might also avoid the problem. At least until the presumably sacrificial rail in the dock starts to erode and increase in tolerance.
I sometimes wonder how the og model made it out the door with some fairly obvious, basic design flaws. Nintendo usually does a lot of testing for usability flaws, even if their build quality tends to be rickety, and that was a long way from Iwatas mandate that og 3ds needed to withstand a 4 foot drop into concrete and still work. Maybe they're finding their way again in hardware with oled, but switch og really seemed to be missing that Iwata/Takeda attention to detail, with them gone. Drift aside (and that's shameful they don't just contract new modules for that), it has the iffy kickstand, the exhaust vent that's wide open to debris and too thin be rugged especially when heated, the dock scratching, joy on rails with to much play... Lots of tiny but obvious oversights that I don't think would have passed the Iwata test. (Though the 3dsxl did and that felt like it was a Chinese knock off.... Rough jagged plastic that didn't line up on the seams, creaking plastic if gripped... Real amateurish stuff. But cheap as the build was, the design didn't have any glaring flaws.)
@NEStalgia,
Never had many issues with the original Switch, and it felt much better quality and less like a toy, compared to other Nintendo hardware, but yes there are slight issues, but overall it was a good design.
Totally agree on the premium feel of the OLED though.
@johnvboy
hate to be the guy, but Deadpool isn't a Marvel Studios movie, so although it's set in the MCU it's not canon
@willatschool,
Is it, just assumed it was Marvel because of the opening logo's etc, but interesting and thanks for the info, not all that up on it to be honest.
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