In typical Nintendo fashion, the company has randomly announced a Switch 2 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons that’s out early next year.
We would’ve thought a new Animal Crossing for the Nintendo Switch 2 would’ve been a huge priority considering how successful the last entry, New Horizons, was and how ongoing support for it ended so abruptly.
A new game is very likely in development as we speak, but it must still be in the early stages as Nintendo has announced that it’s porting New Horizons to the Switch 2 in just a few months.
Not only that, but after suddenly wrapping up support for the game in late 2021, Nintendo is adding brand new content, which includes a couple of collaborations with other Nintendo franchises.
When is Animal Crossing: New Horizons launching for Switch 2?
The Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is scheduled for January 15, 2026. Much like other Switch 2 Editions, you can purchase an upgrade pack if you already own the original game on Switch 1 – although this one’s cheaper than before at just £4.19.
Aside from improved resolution, Nintendo’s adding mouse controls, via the Switch 2 Joy-Cons, allowing for more intuitive customisation when decorating your home or creating patterns.
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
You can also use the microphone to call out your villagers’ names and get their attention (as long as you have the new megaphone item) as well as use voice chat when playing with friends. Plus, online multiplayer now supports up to 12 people instead of just eight.
What is included in the free Animal Crossing: New Horizons Ver.3.0 update?
The free Animal Crossing: New Horizons update launches the same day as the Switch 2 version and will be available to Switch 1 players as well.
It brings a lot of new content to the game, including a resort hotel you can customise to help it attract guests. In doing so, you earn tickets that can be exchanged for new furniture.
Your item storage can also be expanded to hold up to 9,000 items and with the return of series regular Resetti, he can reset areas of your island to instantly tidy away items you’ve placed.
Those who bemoaned only being limited to one island will be thrilled to know that through Luna’s dream world, you’re given free rein to build and customise up to three islands from scratch, including with other players.
Lastly, there are a bunch of new Nintendo items. You can acquire replicas of retro Nintendo consoles and then play retro games on them, though you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. So, it’s really just a way of letting you access the Switch’s retro library through Animal Crossing.
There are also new Lego themed items, plus new ones based on The Legend Of Zelda and Splatoon. Those last two require you to have related amiibo but they’ll even add unique villagers, such as Animal Crossing versions of Tulin and Mineru from Tears Of The Kingdom.
Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.
To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.
