Yet console availability (and attainability) is not always in line with aspiration -- so here are some alternatives on mobile, console and computer.

Garden Paws

Instead of a human mingling with an animal population, you're a cat, fox, bunny, dog -- even a cute, kindly dragon. There's still a load of fishing, digging, crafting, trading and customization to make your rural town a happy place to live.

Currently playable in its Early Access form on PC (through Steam) and confirmed for Switch at some point in future.

Seabeard

It's got the daily dip-in, dip-out rhythm of "Animal Crossing" coupled with a more adventurous spirit, with quests, seafaring, monster hunting and building up a functioning retail economy.

Free with optional payments for iOS and Android.

My Time At Portia

Another town sim which, upon its debut, was likened not only to "Animal Crossing" but also community farming game "Stardew Valley" and its inspiration, "Harvest Moon." It's all about building up a town in (an extremely pleasant) post-apocalypse.

There's no multiplayer mode so if that's not something you want to concern yourself with then "Portia" could be ideal.

On PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and Windows PC.

Read also: Bran Stark’s direwolf on ‘Game of Thrones’ dies after its battle with cancer

Mutazione

Set on an island, much like "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," but one that's more than 100 years into recovering from a meteor strike. This one's about looking after your grandparent, helping mutant islanders with their neighborly dramas, and growing plants to help with their ailments.

For PlayStation 4, Apple Arcade for iOS, PC, and Mac.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

It's got the general play style and characters of "New Horizons" and its predecessors, within a campsite setting, visits to and from friends, and an upfront cost of zero (though "Pocket Camp" has been criticized for its reliance upon microtransactions).

For iOS and Android.