Animal Crossing for the 3ds really is an excellent game! In a way it is a "best of" type of game featuring bits of other animal crossing games but keeping it incredibly fresh whilst doing so. For example the campsite and island from the gamecube game and the shopping centre from City folk. However, these are not just bolted on into the game without thought. They are added, along with other ideas to keep the series incredibly fresh. They are added with a new twist, which alongside the swimming/diving sections and the fact that you are mayor and can work in the coffee shop make New leaf the most extensive Animal Crossing game yet. Add on the whole social aspect and you get hours upon hours of gameplay too. I feel it has the potential to be the best selling ac game yet, however it has a lot of catching up to do, considering Wild world's massive sales!

 It seems to me the Animal crossing franchise is now massive to Nintendo. Wild worlds sales are more than any Zelda, Kirby or Metroid game but given the sales of the last console title; City folk i am wondering if it has become, like pokemon a handheld phenomenon rather than universal. The sales of City folk were solid enough but when compared to Wild world they were pretty poor. Much of the reason for this, it has been speculated was that City folk was just too similar, coming out after Wild world. (Personally i disagree). However if that is the case, then how can Nintendo keep the series fresh/original with a version for the Wii u? Personally i think it's a tough ask given the "best of" feel and huge amount of new ideas on New leaf. I feel it's a tough act to follow and really can't see what Nintendo can add to keep it fresh enough to be a system seller for Wii u. Wii u really does need some system sellers right now though and hopefully Nintendo can prove me wrong though.

 I think its debatable whether City folk was a system seller for a machine as popular as the Wii so this would make the job even harder.

So my question is... Animal Crossing. System seller for home consoles or handheld phenomenon now?

It wont be a system seller unless maybe if its released during holidays. Its like pokemon. It just belongs on handheld. If it were on WiiU though i can see 2mil lifetime

yes! but only on holidays

Don't think when it was first conceived that it was necessarily designed to be a mainly handheld title but when Wild world sold massively it just became that way.

I think it could go over exceptionally well in Japan, particularly if it had 3DS connectivity.

A specially themed bundle would move many a WiiU there.

yes, i noticed the massive sales of New leaf in Japan compared to other territories. I think i'm right in saying it's the best-selling 3ds title in Japan so far. (vgc numbers.)

It does fit a mobile platform more so than a home console. Its the style of play. You don't sit down and play AC for 8 hours. You turn it on, do some stuff and turn it off. This style of gameplay matches the portable market much better imo. You can accomplish something while waiting for the bus or on lunch.

I doubt it would make much of a difference. The game has a more of a handheld appeal. I know I would'nt pick it up unless it has some major connectivity with New Leafs.

I would love a 3DS redesign that also works as a gamepad.
Maybe even add a feature to some Wii U games were you can take part of the game with you when you go off with your 3DS

Think that is what is rumoured to be the case with Nintendo's next console