Animal Crossing New Horizons Gets Switch 2 Upgrade and Free Update

Nintendo has released a new Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons along with a free 3.0 update for all players. The changes hit both the original Switch and the newer console on January 15, 2026, one day ahead of the planned date. Players can now see sharper graphics on Switch 2 and enjoy added features like a family-run resort hotel and new items from other Nintendo games.

Background

Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out in 2020 for the original Nintendo Switch. It let players build islands, collect items, and visit friends' worlds. The game saw several updates over the years, adding museums, swimming, and more villagers. Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 out, Nintendo is bringing the game to the new hardware. The Switch 2 Edition builds on the base game with hardware-specific improvements. At the same time, a free update called version 3.0 goes to everyone who owns the game, no matter the console. This mix of free and paid content keeps the game alive years after launch. Nintendo announced these changes recently, and they went live early on Thursday. The updates respond to player requests for more tools and better looks on the stronger Switch 2.

Key Details

The free 3.0 update adds a lot to the game for original Switch and Switch 2 owners alike. A new resort hotel appears at the dock, run by Kapp'n and his family. Players can check in, buy souvenirs, and play mini-games there. New controls make building easier, like side steps for fences and back steps for terraforming land. Resetti's Reset Service lets players clean up island parts or start fresh. Slumber Island is a big addition: players can make up to three custom islands with online play support.

New Items and Collaborations

The update brings items from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon. Think Tulin and Mineru from Tears of the Kingdom, plus squirrels based on Splatoon 3 characters. LEGO sets join as furniture and decorations. Players can craft many items at once and store up to 9,000 things in their house, including plants. Nintendo-themed goods go on sale too, like old consoles that play retro games with a Switch Online subscription. Each system has one built-in game, such as Ice Climber on the NES version.

The Switch 2 Edition costs $64.99 for new buyers, physical or digital. Owners of the original game can buy an upgrade pack for $4.99. This pack unlocks Switch 2-only features. Graphics jump to 4K resolution in TV mode, though it stays at 30 frames per second. Load times get shorter. Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-like pointing for placing furniture and designs. A megaphone uses the console's mic to call villagers, like in older Animal Crossing titles. Multiplayer goes up to 12 players, from the old limit of eight. GameChat adds a video bubble over characters so friends see faces during play.

Videos show side-by-side runs of the game on both consoles. Switch 2 versions have brighter colors, clearer details, and better shadows. Both run at 60fps in some spots, but resolution differs due to hardware. The Switch 2 handles higher clarity, especially on 4K TVs.

"The Nintendo Switch 2 graphics in detailing is almost similar to Nintendo Switch. But if you have a 4K TV, definitely Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 have same performance." – Ethan Raiche, video creator

What This Means

These updates extend the life of Animal Crossing: New Horizons into 2026. Original Switch owners get hours of new play without paying extra. The free content fills islands with fresh builds and visitors. Switch 2 users gain tools that make daily tasks faster, like precise furniture placement. Bigger multiplayer means more group visits to resorts or dream islands. The low upgrade price lets most players try the new features. Nintendo mixes free gifts with small sales to keep fans engaged. Expect more amiibo support and items over time as hotel levels rise. Players who skipped the game might pick up the full edition. Long-time island builders can swap between three custom worlds. The changes build on what worked before while using Switch 2 power. Graphics bumps show in direct comparisons, with sharper edges and richer lights on the new console. Shorter loads mean less wait at airports or dream saves. The megaphone adds fun calls across the island. Overall, the package gives something for solo players and groups alike. Nintendo keeps the cozy world growing without a full sequel yet.