Nintendo has announced that their popular cozy life sim game Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be receiving a Nintendo Switch 2 Version, as well as a new update that will coincide with the release of this. Both will launch on January 15, 2026, with preorders being opened up soon, Nintendo has stated.
The Switch 2 version of the game is set to feature a higher resolution than the original, taking advantage of the console’s ability to hit 4k visuals on the TV, with this mode capped at 30fps. The mouse controls of the Nintendo Switch 2 will also be supported, as well as the built-in microphone support, up to 12 players in multiplayer, and CameraPlay.
The free update that will be released at the same time will feature a new resort hotel run by Kapp’n and his family, some new themed items, and characters, and extra exclusives like Slumber Island that will be available for Nintendo Switch Online members, along with additional goodies. The content of this update will be available to both players on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo has stated that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be available for purchase physically or digitally for $65.99. If you already own the game on the Nintendo Switch, an upgrade path will be available for $4.99, with preorders for the upgrade will be available starting today through the Nintendo Store or eShop.
Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrades:
- Higher-resolution visuals (4K while docked)
- New Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for more intuitive decoration and design
- 12-player online sessions (with other Switch 2 players)
- A new in-game megaphone that uses the console’s microphone to call residents
3.0 Update features:
- Resort Hotel: A new resort run by Kapp’n’s family, where you can decorate rooms for guests.
- Collaborations:
- LEGO: In-game LEGO items will be available.
- The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon: Unlock themed furniture, clothes, and characters through amiibo.
- Classic Nintendo Items: Playable retro Nintendo console items and more.
- Slumber Island: For Nintendo Switch Online members, this feature lets you design and save up to three unique islands to share with friends online.
- Convenience Upgrades:
- Increased home storage capacity (up to 9,000 items)
- Ability to store trees, shrubs, and flowers in storage
- Resetti’s Reset Service to help tidy up your island
Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched initially in March of 2020, at the height (at least in the US of quarantine lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It went on to sell 48.19 million units, becoming the second best-selling title on the Nintendo Switch.
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