- Quick explainer: What is Animal Crossing?
- Editions, prices and dates
- What the Switch 2 Edition adds
- Free Update 3.0 for everyone
- New hotel at the pier
- More storage space
- Resetti helps tidy up
- Dreamworld 2.0: build your own dream islands
- Collaboration items and retro extras
- New visitors
- Switch 1 vs. Switch 2: quick comparison
- Upgrade or full version – which is right for you?
- How to prepare
- Frequently asked questions
Great news for islanders: Nintendo announced a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. On the same day, a free Update 3.0 will launch for all players. Release date: January 15, 2026. This post explains what that means in practice, the new features, and which option makes the most sense for you.
Quick explainer: What is Animal Crossing?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life-sim where you live on an island, collect, build and design. Its charm comes from:
- Relaxed pacing: Time of day and seasons follow your system clock.
- Creative freedom: House, island, outfits, paths and the neighborhood are fully customizable.
- Collecting & crafting: Items, fish, bugs, fossils and DIY recipes.
- Community: Visit other islands, trade items and share designs.
That’s why AC:NH is a cozy game that works for quick sessions and long creative evenings alike.
Editions, prices and dates
- Switch 2 Edition (full game): €64.99 MSRP (*)
- Upgrade/expansion pack for Switch 2 features: €4.99
- Switch 1 Edition (existing game): €59.99 MSRP (*)
- Release: 15/01/2026
- Free Update 3.0: also on 15/01/2026 for both Switch 1 and Switch 2
Note: Prices are MSRP and may vary by region/store.
(*) Transparency: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we receive a commission. The price remains the same for you.
What the Switch 2 Edition adds
The Switch 2 version includes quality-of-life and technical upgrades that noticeably improve day-to-day island life:
- Higher resolution for a sharper image.
- Mouse-style control via Joy-Con 2: precise furniture placement, easier decorating and posting on the bulletin board.
- Megaphone item: uses the Switch 2 microphone to call villagers and find them faster.
- Up to 12 players in local multiplayer instead of 8 on Switch 1.
- In-game voice chat for easier coordination.
- Face overlay: if a camera is connected to Switch 2, your face can appear as an overlay above your character.
Who benefits most?
If you often play together locally, love decorating, or create streams and videos, the bigger multiplayer lobbies, mouse mode and camera overlay are especially useful. You can buy the Switch 2 Edition as a full game or—if you already own AC:NH—as a low-cost upgrade pack.
Free Update 3.0 for everyone
Update 3.0 launches the same day and is free, regardless of console. Highlights:
New hotel at the pier
- A new hotel building opens right on the pier.
- Decorate guest rooms: design rooms based on guest requests.
- Earn hotel vouchers: trade them in at the souvenir shop for decorative items.
- New tasks from Tom Nook: fresh DIY recipes to craft items that are sold off-island via the hotel.
More storage space
- Expand your home storage to 7,000 and later 9,000 items. Finally, plenty of room for decorators and collectors.
Resetti helps tidy up
- Resetti offers a new service to clean up your island—ideal for big projects or quick decluttering.
Dreamworld 2.0: build your own dream islands
- When you sleep, you enter the Dreamworld and can build a second island there without touching your main one.
- Up to three dream islands per player, with three island sizes and multiple layouts.
- Other players can visit your dream islands—perfect for creative showcases.
Collaboration items and retro extras
- The souvenir shop includes a SNES console for your home.
- With an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can launch retro games for the respective console from there.
- LEGO items as well as Legend of Zelda and Splatoon decorations appear in Nook’s shop.
New visitors
- Mineru and Tulin
- Cece and Viche via Splatoon amiibo
Switch 1 vs. Switch 2: quick comparison
| Area | Switch 1 | Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Standard AC:NH resolution | Higher resolution |
| Controls | Stick/buttons | Mouse mode via Joy-Con 2 |
| Mic features | — | Megaphone item uses Switch 2 mic |
| Local multiplayer | Up to 8 players | Up to 12 players |
| Game chat | Limited | Integrated in-game chat |
| Camera overlay | — | Face overlay available |
Content such as the hotel, dream islands, storage expansion, Resetti’s service and new items comes with Update 3.0 on both consoles.
Upgrade or full version – which is right for you?
- New to the series: Get the Switch 2 full version. You start with all improvements built in.
- Already own an island and plan to move to Switch 2: The €4.99 upgrade pack is the most affordable way to unlock the Switch 2 features.
- Staying on Switch 1 for now: Grab the free Update 3.0—it adds lots of new content even without new hardware.
How to prepare
- Free up storage: make room for the update.
- Back up your save: cloud backup with Nintendo Switch Online or a local transfer.
- Rally friends: schedule a session to try the 12-player mode on Switch 2.
- Check your amiibo: you’ll need Splatoon amiibo for Cece and Viche.
- Verify NSO: Nintendo Switch Online is required to launch retro games via the in-game consoles.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the Switch 2 Edition for the hotel, dream islands and storage expansion?
No. These are Update 3.0 features available on Switch 1 as well.
Are the 12 players local-only?
Yes, the announcement specifies local multiplayer with up to 12 players on Switch 2. Switch 1 remains capped at 8.
Are the collaboration items time-limited?
They arrive as new shop and souvenir items. There’s no time limit stated, but expect events and rotations as usual.
Will my existing designs and saves work on Switch 2?
Yes, your island carries over. When switching hardware, back up first and use the official transfer method.
(*) Affiliate Links
