Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the biggest and bestselling games on the Nintendo Switch, and with the arrival of Nintendo Switch 2 earlier this year, Nintendo have announced that they are going to release a new edition of New Horizons just for the Switch 2, which includes various updates and improvements to the original.
However, the original Switch version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn’t going to be neglected, as a free content update is set to drop in the game. This update, which lands January 15th, 2026, will be made available for both the original Switch and Switch 2 editions of New Horizons.
What’s New With Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?
With the Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there’s plenty of updates and enhancements to look forward to. The following will be included with the Switch 2 Edition:
- Improved Resolution, with 4K in TV Mode (requires compatible display, frame rate capped at 30fps).
- Mouse controls with right Joy-Con 2 controller to decorate indoors, create custom designs, and write handwritten bulletin board messages.
- Call residents to locate them using built-in megaphone item and built-in Nintendo Switch 2 microphone.
- Up to 12-player online sessions for players with Switch 2 Edition.
- Play with others using CameraPlay by connecting compatible camera via USB (sold separately).
Switch 2 Edition Release Date, Price, and Format
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be released on January 15th, 2026 for $64.99 (£54.99) in physical and digital formats.
How Can I Upgrade From Original New Horizons to Switch 2 Edition?
If you already own the original Nintendo Switch edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and want to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can purchase the upgrade pack for $4.99 (£4.19). The upgrade pack is now available for pre-order on the My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop.
What’s Coming With the Free Content Update?
Additionally, a huge update (Version 3.0) is coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which will be made available on January 15th on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions. This update is completely free. With this update, you will receive the following content:
- A brand-new Resort Hotel appears on the pier, set to be run by Kapp’n’s family. Bring guests in by helping out with decorating guest rooms. There’s also new furniture and clothing to look out for at the souvenir shop, plus mannequins that you can dress in outfits that visitors can wear.
- If you want to start anew on your island, Resetti is on call with a Reset Service to help clean everything up. You can also upgrade your home storage to hold up to 9,000 units, including trees, flowers, and shrubs.
- With a Nintendo Switch Online Membership, you can create and save up to three islands and share them with your friends, collaboratively designing them with different layouts and sizes, building and decorating, accessing your inventory, and inviting your island residents to visit.
- New collaborative Nintendo items include Ultra Hand and Nintendo in-game consoles. Plus, with your Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can play classic Nintendo titles when interacting with specific Nintendo items. With this update, you’ll also find LEGO items. Finally, you can use The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo to invite special characters and unlock unique items inspired by these games.
SOURCE: Official Announcement from Nintendo’s Animal Crossing Website
