Nintendo has announced that Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be released in the coming months.
This will deliver enhanced resolution, mouse controls using the Joy-Con 2 controller, expanded online play, and more features exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, with the promise that you can get even more out of your island life.
Those who own Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch will be able to purchase an upgrade pack to play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which will be priced at $4.99.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can look forward to:
- Improved resolution (4K in TV mode).
- Mouse controls with the right Joy-Con 2 controller to decorate indoors, create Custom Designs and even compose hand-written bulletin-board messages.
- Locate residents by calling their names using the in-game megaphone item and the built-in Nintendo Switch 2 microphone.
- Join 12-player sessions for online sessions if everyone is playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
- Play with friends via CameraPlay. Connect a compatible USB camera (sold separately) and see their reactions in-game while exploring your island together.
There is also a free update coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, which will introduce a new resort hotel, additional amiibo functionality, collaboration items, updates to online play, and more.
After downloading the free update, you can expect:
- Resort Hotel’s Grand Opening: A resort hotel is opening on the pier, and it’s run by Kapp’n’s family. To bring in guests from off the island, you’ll help out by decorating guest rooms and more. Plus, find new furniture and clothing at the souvenir shop and dress up mannequins with outfits that guests can wear.
- Making Island Life More Convenient: Want a fresh start? Resetti is on hand with a convenient Reset Service to help tidy up your island. Additionally, you can now upgrade your home storage to hold up to 9,000 items, and store trees, shrubs and flowers there, too.
- Slumber Island: Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can design and save up to three islands and play with friends online. Select the size and layout of the island, build and design it collaboratively, access your inventory and decorate, plus invite residents from your home island.
- Collaborations: Collect Nintendo items like the Ultra Hand and Nintendo consoles in-game to add some classic flair to your island. Nintendo Switch Online members can play select classic Nintendo titles in-game when interacting with specific Nintendo console items, too! LEGO items will also make their debut with this update. And use select The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo to invite certain characters — and unlock various items inspired by those series.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be released at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide on 15 January 2026.
