Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer downplays the wider community simulation mechanics of the main Animal Crossing series in favor of focusing on house designing; players work as an employee of Nook's Homes, designing homes for other animal villagers based around their suggestions.[6][7] As players progress, they will unlock additional furniture elements they can incorporate into their designs.[6] Players can also visit the homes they have created.[6]
The game interacts with New Leaf, primarily by allowing the player to unlock exclusive furniture through the Nookling Junction kiosk.
The game integrates with Animal Crossing Amiibo cards; scanning cards allows their respective character to visit a home that a player had designed, and allows players to design homes for other major characters such as K.K. Slider and Tom Nook.[6][8]
