Animal Crossing Build-A-Bear Isabelle & Tom Nook Plushes Revealed
Stuffed toymaker Build-A-Bear has officially unveiled its Animal Crossing: New Horizons collection, currently limited to two of the series' most popular characters, Isabelle and Tom Nook. The products are customizable as expected, though so far only in terms of which sounds are included, and many will no doubt be disappointed to learn there aren't any series villagers represented in the small (but cute) lineup.
Build-A-Bear recently announced that its Animal Crossing: New Horizons plushes would go for sale on April 6, without mentioning which characters would be available at what prices or when they might ship. It gave preference to customers who signed up for a virtual waiting room, making everyone else wait at a higher risk of stock-outs. The products will be available in the company's retail Workshops sometime this summer.
In an email, Build-A-Bear indicates that Isabelle and Tom Nook are available with just one of their Animal Crossing: New Horizons outfits apiece, unlike some of the company's other more customizable products. A video, starring YouTube stars the Merrell Twins, adds that buyers can choose between two sound options: 5-in-1 effects unique to each character - including reactions and their Animalese voices - or the Animal Crossing: New Horizons theme song. It's not yet known if the characters will get more clothes, sounds, or accessories. Likewise, it's unknown if any other characters like K.K. Slider or Mr. Resetti will join the lineup.
Isabelle originated in 2012's Animal Crossing: New Leaf, helping players adjust to the role of mayor. She serves a similar role in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, taking a spot in Resident Services to assist with various island affairs. Tom Nook is perhaps the series' most important character, being a source of mortgages, tasks, and upgrades. In the latest game, beyond these things, he sells the travel package that lands players on the island in the first place.
With the plushes finally here, Animal Crossing is likely a hot seller for Build-A-Bear. Judging by the customer and scalpers rush to grab up Target's Sanrio amiibo cards, Build-A-Bear is almost guaranteed to sell out of launch plushes by the end of the first day, though it does plan to replenish stock at some unspecified point. Though it may be annoying, the waiting room system is way of deterring scalpers and driving up short-term demand, simultaneously preventing Build-A-Bear from being stuck with unsold inventory.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Build-A-Bear