Biden-Harris Campaign Pokémon Goes To 'Animal Crossing,' Divides Fans

Animal Crossing fans have a new neighbor, and he's running for president.

According to The Verge, beginning yesterday, players can outfit their houses, islands and portapotties with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris lawn signs. The campaign launched four, heavily-pixelated markers, accessible via QR codes, endorsing the Biden-Harris ticket for hopeful supporters.

The campaign contends the move comes as part of their digital initiatives to promote social distancing amid the coronavirus.

"Animal Crossing is a dynamic, diverse, and powerful platform that brings communities together from across the world. It is an exciting new opportunity for our campaign to engage and connect Biden-Harris supporters as they build and decorate their islands," said Christian Tom, director of digital partnerships for the Biden campaign, to The Verge. "As we enter the final campaign stretch towards November, this is one way we are finding new creative and innovative ways to meet voters where they are and bring our supporters together."

While millions have played the game since it launched in March, not everyone likes bringing real-world politics into their adorable fantasy islands. Since appearing in the game, some on Twitter criticized the addition and the Biden-Harris ticket, perhaps seeing shades of Pokémon Go! to the Polls in the digital merch.

So pumped to get these yard signs for Animal Crossing. Great idea from the Biden/Harris team. #JoeBiden2020 #Election2020 #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwich pic.twitter.com/YfpFG30Svb

— 🏝️ Large Baja Blast Freeze 🏝️ (@Mode7Graphics) September 1, 2020

Animal Crossing sign for Biden/Harris

The UNCUT version pic.twitter.com/y8cpcjL8Ni

— Daxton Brown (@daxtonbrown) September 1, 2020

new animal crossing update lets you drone-strike tom nook pic.twitter.com/VJrMTAIDYd

— John Choi (@johnnnchoi) September 1, 2020

Biden-Harris supporters, however, enjoy the addition of their candidates in the game, allowing them to express their political beliefs in the game.

The Biden/Harris is giving out yard signs in Animal Crossing and it’s absolutely adorable pic.twitter.com/lkNZcurWFS

— Santiago Mayer (@santiagomayer_) September 1, 2020

haven’t played animal crossing in months, but i’d log back on just to put a biden/harris 2020 yard sign up

— queer with the dragonfly tattoo (@michaelhcruz) September 1, 2020

My husband planted a Biden Harris sign in our Animal Crossing lawn too 😍 pic.twitter.com/fuxPlVtRg4

— Mollee Sullivan (@midlomollee) September 1, 2020

Got my Biden-Harris swag! #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/iZDfTCIFvq

— Nasty Ho Mad Woman (@WhispersHeaven) September 2, 2020

Still, some question whether the criticism and backlash are even worth it.

The cringing from people who don't play Animal Crossing about the Biden-Harris signs is so funny. We only get 20 custom designs. If someone puts one on their island they REALLY REALLY WANT TO. Get. a. hobby. besides. low-grade. criticism.

— Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) September 1, 2020