Build-A-Bear Workshop is teaming up with Nintendo to create cuddly versions of two characters from Animal Crossing: New Horizons for fans of the critter-filled game.
“We are overjoyed to bring the island fun of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to Build-A-Bear Workshop,” Build-A-chief Bear’s digital and merchandising officer, Jennifer Kretchmar, said in a statement. “Fans of the game will undoubtedly be transported to an island paradise and prepared to have a good time with these furry friends. This collection is ideal for all ages of gamers and collectors!”
For a limited time before they are available in stores this summer, the build-your-own-stuffed-animal company is offering two Animal Crossing characters, Tom Nook and Isabelle, exclusively online.
Along with Tom Nook and Isabelle, the collection includes clothing and accessories inspired by the popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons game for Nintendo Switch, which was released last year to coincide with the outbreak of COVID-19. Animal Crossing was released in 2001, prior to the Switch game.
Tuesday, Build-A-Bear shared an Instagram video of twins Veronica and Vanessa stuffing Animal Crossing characters.
The collection opened to the public on Tuesday at 10 a.m. CST, with eager customers granted access to the sale’s waiting room a half-hour early. Prior to the drop, each person in line was assigned a random position.
While customers who watched the “stuffing premiere” expressed excitement about the new release, others expressed disappointment with the character selection.
“Are you serious, is it just those two???” inquired @dont.call.me.megan.
“Only two? Certainly not a collection. Everyone was anticipating more: I awoke early for this “@charrebi has been added.
Additionally, other customers requested additional information that was not included in the video. “How much are they?” inquired @quackptht, noting that their partner had entered the Build-A-Bear waiting room and was now facing a more than hour-long wait.
Five sounds or the Animal Crossing: New Horizons theme song are included in the $51 bundles.
The company announced the collaboration on Instagram Monday, following a March 20 tease, noting that the Animal Crossing collection coincides with the game’s “one year of island adventures.”
