Since Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ release last year, a lot of people have brought out-of-the-box ideas to the table for interactive experiences with others in the game. Alongside incredibly creative island themes by imaginative players, fashion brands have brought their designs to the game for fans to dress their villagers up in and bring some style to their islands. Now, both of these gameplay & design-focused elements are being brought to the table for a new collaboration between Audio Technica and EXILE NAOTO (and his brand STUDIO SEVEN)!
In case you’re not familiar with the collaborators, NAOTO is a member of the J-Pop supergroup EXILE and leader of J-SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE. In addition to his activities as a performer, he also heads up the Japanese fashion brand STUDIO SEVEN. STUDIO SEVEN is no stranger to unique collaborations, having worked on high concept projects with HUMAN MADE, GU, and even Japanese convenience store chain Lawson. Audio Technica is a Japanese high-end audio equipment maker founded in 1962 with a reputation for making high-quality audio equipment such as microphones, headphones, turntables, and more.
Both parties have recently teamed up to release a range of wireless earbuds designed by STUDIO SEVEN to the Japanese market. While that type of collaboration seems like a definite no-brainer, I was definitely not expecting them to take it even further and create an entire Animal Crossing experience together as well!
The first part of this collaboration exists as a specially themed Audio Technica island that you can visit in Animal Crossing: New Horizons with the Dream Address: DA-4011-2228-8946. The island has a heavy music theme with a Rhythm Road featuring different in-game instruments, an area that displays the history of the audio equipment maker, and a large section designed to feel like a music festival venue.
In addition to the Audio Technica features, NAOTO’s presence is felt in a number of locations of the island, and special decorations celebrating the artist. These buildings include an HONEST TV studio space complete with an Honest Deli kitchen, a STUDIO SEVEN store, and the festival stage dressed up and ready for a performance. If you’re lucky, you’ll even run into NAOTO himself as he hangs out on the island!
The second part of this collaboration comes as several exclusive designs which are available to download to your own game using the Designer ID: MA-8335-6966-8005 or by using the design station on the Audio Technica island.
Sticking with the music theme, designs include a record wall and gold/silver record plaques along with an Audio Technica logo you can apply on a variety of different items. On top of those, a whole range of pro designs based on actual real-life STUDIO SEVEN clothes and accessories are available as well. Check out a preview of a number of them below:
This special island collaboration is only going to be available for a limited time, wrapping up on 31 May 2021, so don’t miss out on your chance to check it out and grab some extra stylish designs for your own island paradise!
For more information, check out the official Audio Technica website for the collaboration