Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Getting a Major Free Content Update and an Improved Switch 2 Edition

30 Oct at 17:48

Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Switch 2 Edition and a Major Free Update

Nintendo has revealed a Switch 2 edition of the beloved Animal Crossing: New Horizons, alongside a large free content update arriving the same day.

Screenshot of Slumber Island from Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Switch 2 Edition — Slumber Island from the new free update — players can collaborate to design and decorate.

Nintendo has announced a Switch 2 edition of the 2020 hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This refreshed release adds next‑generation enhancements and additional content, and Nintendo will also deliver a sizable free update for both the original Switch and the new Switch 2 edition.

Switch 2 Edition — Key Enhancements

Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Switch 2 Edition releases both digitally and physically on January 15, priced at $64.99. Players who already own the game on the original Switch can purchase a digital upgrade pack for $4.99.

Higher-fidelity visuals, including 4K output while docked.
Refined controls: Joy‑Con 2 supports mouse‑style pointer input for tasks like decorating, composing bulletin board messages, and crafting custom designs.
A new purchasable megaphone item uses the console microphone so you can verbally call out to island residents.
Online play supports up to 12 players, though cross-generation play is restricted — Switch 2 owners can join with other Switch 2 players only.
CameraPlay enables live face video between players during sessions, similar to the social features seen in other Nintendo titles.

Free Content Update (Version 3.0)

Launching on January 15 for both Switch platforms, the free Ver. 3.0 update introduces a beachfront resort hotel run by Kapp’n’s family. The hotel opens from the pier and adds new gameplay loops — invite off‑island guests, furnish themed suites, shop for souvenirs, and outfit mannequins with guest attire.

The update also brings back Mr. Resetti in the form of the Reset Service, which can tidy, remove, or store placed items across your home, shoreline, or an entire island. Home storage capacity expands dramatically to 9,000 item slots, and you can now place trees, shrubs, and flowers into storage.

Perhaps the most imaginative addition is Luna’s New Dream World, which grants access to Slumber Island while your character sleeps. Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online can craft up to three Slumber Islands from scratch and populate them with residents imported from their home island. Slumber Islands support collaborative design: multiple players can visit and help terraform and decorate in real time.

Collaborations and New Collectibles

Nintendo is layering in several collaborations and throwbacks:

Console‑themed items inspired by Nintendo hardware — from the Famicom to the Switch 2 — plus playful nods like the Ultra Hand and the Love Tester. Switch Online members can interact with select consoles to play classic titles such as Ice Climbers and Dr. Mario.
A partnership with LEGO introduces brickified furniture and clothing, offered in multiple colorways.
Scanning select Zelda amiibo unlocks themed décor and outfits — Zonai artifacts, rupees, heart tanks, and Link-inspired hairstyles and garb — and invites two Tears of the Kingdom characters, Tulin and Mineru, to become island residents.
Selected Splatoon amiibo add refreshed versions of Cece and Viché (originally from New Leaf’s Welcome Amiibo) with Splatoon‑style designs, along with new Splatoon items available in shops.

Interior of the new resort hotel in Animal Crossing New Horizons — Decorating hotel suites and curating souvenir shop inventory are central to the resort experience.

Gallery Highlights

Zelda-themed items in Animal Crossing — Zelda-themed décor and interactions.

LEGO-style furniture and items in Animal Crossing — New LEGO-inspired furniture options.

Splatoon-themed characters and items visiting your island — Splatoon crossover characters and gear.

Classic console items and playable retro games in Animal Crossing — Interact with classic consoles and play retro titles.

Will you return to your island for the Switch 2 edition or explore the new Ver. 3.0 additions? Share your plans and favorite new features in the comments below.

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