* Players and up to three friends can hang out in the same village and interact in real time – either through wireless LAN or over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Now players can visit a friend's village from thousands of miles away.

* The touch screen simplifies item management and world navigation. Tap the touch screen to type letters, draw designs for clothing or wallpaper, drag clothing or items onto characters or just lead them around the world.

* Much of the cast of the original Animal Crossing returns, including animals of all shapes and personality types: K.K. Slider, Tom Nook, Blathers, Mr. Resetti and more. There are also a number of new characters.