Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Free Content Update Announced

Nintendo announced that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting a free content update and a Switch 2 Edition on January 15, 2026. This will mark the first time in four years that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has received an update.

Fans were wondering if Animal Crossing would get a Switch 2 Edition, and it officially will in the new year.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition Features:

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comes with improved resolution – 4K in TV mode. Mouse controls will be allowed using the right Joy-Con 2 controller to decorate, create custom designs, and more.

Here is the list of features with the Switch 2 Edition:

• 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.

• Improved resolution (4K in TV mode).

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition Price

The cost of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is $64.99, and if you already own the game on Switch, the upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition will cost $4.99.

New Horizons Free Update

Here is an overview of what the free update will offer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:

• 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 membershipcan 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.

Announcement Trailer