Nintendo has announced Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and a free update for the original Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch.
The new edition and update includes new content and features, the return of collaboration items from other Nintendo Series (The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon), playable classic games, and the return of fan favorite characters missing from the original release.
Additionally quality of life improvements, such as pulling materials from storage, batch crafting and increased storage space, have also been included, along with new items and furniture for players to unlock and discover.
Players will also be able to create additional "Dream Islands" along with friends. Up to three islands can be saved, and players can select the initial design and layout. In this mode players will be able to access their inventories, and invite villagers from their own islands to come and stay.
Meanwhile the Switch 2 Edition will feature everything included in the free update, along with improved resolution, faster loading times, Mouse Controls, microphone and camera support, up to 12 player online, and more.
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The update and Switch 2 Edition both arrive on January 15th, 2026. Owners of the original Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Switch can upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition by purchasing the upgrade pack for $4.99. The game can also be purchased as a complete Switch 2 title for $64.99.
To learn more, here is the complete overview as provided by Nintendo.
What's New in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition
Animal Crossing: New Horizons invites you to create your island paradise at your own pace as you garden, fish, decorate, hunt for bugs and fossils, get to know the animal residents and more. The time of day and seasons mirror the ebb and flow of real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 with several enhancements to enjoy, including:Nintendo Switch 2 players can purchase digital or physical versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game when it launches Jan. 15 for $64.99 MSRP, and if they already have the game for Nintendo Switch, a paid upgrade pack will also be available for $4.99 MSRP. Pre-orders for the paid upgrade pack are available starting today on the My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop.
- Improved resolution (4K in TV mode).
- Mouse controls with the right Joy-Con 2 controller to decorate indoors, create Custom Designs and even compose hand-written bulletin-board messages.
- Locate residents by calling their names using the in-game megaphone item and the built-in Nintendo Switch 2 microphone.
- Join 12-player sessions for online sessions if everyone is playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
- Play with friends via CameraPlay. Connect a compatible USB camera (sold separately) and see their reactions in-game while exploring your island together.
New Features Coming to New Horizons Switch 2 Edition and as a Free Update on Nintendo Switch
And both versions of the game will receive new features to experience, including:
- Resort Hotel’s Grand Opening: A resort hotel is opening on the pier, and it’s run by Kapp’n’s family. To bring in guests from off the island, you’ll help out by decorating guest rooms and more. Plus, find new furniture and clothing at the souvenir shop and dress up mannequins with outfits that guests can wear.
- Making Island Life More Convenient: Want a fresh start? Resetti is on hand with a convenient Reset Service to help tidy up your island. Additionally, you can now upgrade your home storage to hold up to 9,000 items, and store trees, shrubs and flowers there, too.
- Slumber Island: Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can design and save up to three islands and play with friends online. Select the size and layout of the island, build and design it collaboratively, access your inventory and decorate, plus invite residents from your home island.
- Collaborations: Collect Nintendo items like the Ultra Hand and Nintendo consoles in-game to add some classic flair to your island. Nintendo Switch Online members can play select classic Nintendo titles in-game when interacting with specific Nintendo console items, too! LEGO® items will also make their debut with this update. And use select The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo to invite certain characters — and unlock various items inspired by those series.
New island experiences await when both the free update and Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launch Jan. 15.
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