Animal Crossing: New Horizons Gets Switch 2 Edition and Free Update for All January 2026

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, launched on March 20, 2020 for the Nintendo Switch, as the franchise’s most ambitious entry to date. In October 2021, Nintendo announced a Version 2.0 update that introduced concepts like Kapp’n’s mystery tours, Brewster’s cafe, and Harvey’s plaza. This pleasant surprise added more content to an already loaded game, extending New Horizon’s playability.

Now, Nintendo is expanding upon their 2020 classic game even further: with both a free Version 3.0 update as well as a Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game. This was announced, out of the blue just like the Version 2.0 update, on October 30, 2025, with an expected release date of January 15, 2026 for both the update and the Nintendo Switch 2 edition.

Free Version 3.0 Update

We’ll start with the Version 3.0 update, which will affect Nintendo Switch users and Nintendo Switch 2 version users alike.

Resort Hotel: On the pier on your island, a Resort Hotel has opened up, run by Kapp’n and his family. You help the family achieve their goals of gaining more guests by decorating themed rooms for the hotel. In exchange, you will receive Hotel Tickets which can be exchanged for exclusive and new items, many of which are hotel-themed. Animal Crossing amiibo can also be scanned to bring a specific villager to the hotel. Tom Nook also introduces special island goods using DIY.
Storage: 5,000 item maximum increased to 9,000 items, with the use of in-game upgrades. Trees, shrubs, and flowers can now be stored as well.
Resetti’s Cleanup Service: The classic character is back with a new cleaning service. Perfect for players that want a fresh start after a few years, or for players that take on massive projects. Resetti can “reset” an area, removing all items, flowers, and/or custom designs (you choose what is removed.) Resetti can do a small area, the beach, or the entire island if need be. Your items will be safely stored after cleanup, unless you need them disposed of.
Slumber Island/Luna’s New Dream World: Luna returns from Animal Crossing: New Leaf with a new area reached by going to sleep in your house. In this sandbox-type environment, players can use any items they’ve already found in the game, including plants and trees. By talking to Lloyd, you can place bridges and inclines. I know I already used the word sandbox, but that’s exactly what this feels like: the fun of creativity and imagination within the game of Animal Crossing without having to be married to the permanent commitments (and in some cases, time and bell constraints) of doing the same things on your own island. You can even change the time and weather at will to set whatever aesthetic you want. Then, insert any villagers you want to populate the island. It’s Animal Crossing meets Minecraft creative mode. Each player can save up to three slumber islands, so the dreams don’t fade away, they’re something you can come back to. Small, medium, and large islands are available, as well as the option for multiplayer.
New Collaboration Items: The Hotel Souvenir Shop eventually starts carrying Nintendo-themed items, such as classic game systems and accessories. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, an old feature, one we haven’t seen since the GameCube version of Animal Crossing becomes available: playing retro games in a limited capacity, right within your Animal Crossing game. The trailer showcased Ice Climbers on the NES, but mentioned playing a select classic game on each system.
- A new LEGO collaboration, including furniture and clothes
- The Legend of Zelda furniture and clothes become available by tapping compatible amiibo, as well as new characters Tulin and Mineru who can visit your island.
- Splatoon amiibo make Cece and Viche visit your island, based on Splatoon characters. Items will also become available.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Improved Graphics: 4K graphics in TV mode. The trailer showcased less pixel-looking features and jagged textures in the Switch 2 edition.
Use of Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls: Can use mouse controls to re-arrange furniture, make custom designs, or write hand-written messages on the town bulletin board.
Megaphone: A purchasable item that utilizes the Switch 2’s megaphone. You can call out a villager’s name to reveal their location and have them come to you.
12-Player Online: Expanding on the original game’s eight-player limit, if all players are using the Switch 2 edition, up to 12 players can explore the same island together. Supports 12 person audio game chat as well.
CameraPlay: Players can connect a compatible USB camera to show their real-time reactions as they explore islands together.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will retail for $64.99, but existing Animal Crossing: New Horizons with the Nintendo Switch version of the game can upgrade for just $4.99, which feels like a consumer-friendly happy medium instead of having to purchase an entirely new copy for full price.

Watch Nintendo’s announcement trailer for yourself: