Nintendo has brought Animal Crossing: New Horizons back to greatness with a Switch 2 edition and a free update to the base game. Both launches are scheduled for January 15, 2026, with pre-orders available soon, according to Nintendo.
The Switch 2 version includes fresh features such as higher resolution graphics (with frame rate capped at 30 frames per second), mouse control, an in-game megaphone using the system’s built-in microphone, online play for up to 12 players, and CameraPlay.
Meanwhile, the free update to the base game includes a fresh resort hotel run by the Kapp’na family, fresh themed items and characters, additional exclusives such as Slumber Island for Nintendo Switch Online members, and more. The content of this update will be playable on both versions of the game from January 15.
Nintendo says Switch 2 players will be able to purchase digital or physical versions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches on January 15 for $64.99, and if they already have the game on Nintendo Switch, a paid upgrade pack will also be available for $4.99. Pre-orders for the paid update pack are available starting today on My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop.
Here are the finer details from Nintendo:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 with several improvements for you to enjoy, including:
- Improved resolution (4K in TV mode).
- Mouse control with the appropriate Joy-Con 2 controller allows you to decorate interiors, create custom projects and even write handwritten messages on bulletin boards.
- Locate residents by calling them by name using the in-game megaphone and the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone.
- Join 12-player online sessions if everyone is playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
- Play with your friends using the CameraPlay app. Connect a compatible USB camera (sold separately) and watch their in-game reactions as you explore the island together.
Both versions of the game will receive fresh features, including:
- Grand opening of the Resort Hotel: A holiday hotel run by the Kapp’na family opens on the pier. To bring guests from off the island, you will assist by decorating guest rooms and more. Plus, find fresh furniture and clothes in the gift shop and dress the mannequins in outfits that guests can wear.
- Increasing the comfort of life on the island: Want to start over? Resetti is on hand with a convenient reset service to assist you declutter your island. Additionally, you can now expand your home warehouse to accommodate up to 9,000 items and store trees, shrubs and flowers.
- Dream Island: Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can design and save up to three islands and play with friends online. Choose the size and layout of your island, build and design it together, access your inventory and decorate it, and invite the inhabitants of your home island.
- Cooperation: Collect in-game Nintendo items like Ultra Hand and Nintendo consoles to add a classic feel to your island. Nintendo Switch Online members can also play select classic Nintendo titles in-game by interacting with specific elements of the Nintendo console! LEGO elements will also debut with this update. Also employ select amiibo8 from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series to invite specific characters and unlock various items inspired by these series.
Most fans have accepted that Nintendo has left Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the dust, despite it being the second best-selling game on the Switch with a whopping 48.19 million units sold. Animal Crossing: New Horizons released in March 2020 and benefited from lockdown-fueled home gaming, but Nintendo has failed to capitalize on its popularity with significant DLC over the past five years. IGN’s review of Animal Crossing: New Horizons gave it a 9/10. We said: “Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an expanded, polished next-gen reboot of a Nintendo classic, packed with surprises.”
Wesley is the news director at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. Wesley can be reached at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
