Animal Crossing: New Leaf was released in Japan on November 8, 2012 and in June 2013 in North America, Europe, and Australia. The game was developed and published by Nintendo.

     The game was published under the Nintendo Selects banner in North America and Happy Price Selection in Japan. The game received a massive update in late 2016 that made the game compatible with amiibo. Most Animal Crossing, Splatoon, and The Legend of Zelda amiibo are compatible with the new update. These amiibo will summon villagers and vendors to the new campsite area in the game. The update was released for free on the Nintendo 3DS e-Shop. The game was re-released as Animal Crossing: New Leaf- Welcome amiibo. The new retail version was released on December 5, 2016. The update features save-data integration with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer.

     The game follows the player as they take on the role of mayor. They become responsible for community projects and ordinances. Players also take part in fishing, bug catching, and collecting fossils.

     Players can visit other players' towns via local play or online with up to four friends. A Dream Suite feature allows players to download dream versions of other people's towns to freely explore. The Happy Home Showcase allows players to view the homes of other players encountered on StreetPass, as well as order some of the furniture their house contains. Players can visit a sewing machine in the Able Sisters shop that allows the ability to create QR codes of their designs. This allows other players to download the designs using the Nintendo 3DS's camera. Play Coins can be used to buy fortune cookies. These fortune cookies can be exchanged for special prizes, such as rare items based on other Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario Bros.

     Players can renovate their houses by visiting Tom Nook. They can also go shopping at several stores throughout the village. Players can also visit Tortimer’s Island and partake in several activities. These activities also include playing with others throughout the real world.

     The game received the best reviews of any game in the Animal Crossing series. As of January 2017, The game has sold 10.45 million copies since its release.