Animal Crossing: New Horizons Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo officially announced Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition with 4K graphics, 12-player online mode, and new features like CameraPlay. A free update is also available for the old Switch version starting January 15.
Nintendo announced a new version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, along with a free content update for Nintendo Switch version owners to be released on January 15. Both new players starting life on the island and experienced longtime residents will get a richer experience through new features and content.
Enhancements for Nintendo Switch 2
The special Nintendo Switch 2 version offers several technical improvements and gamepad/camera features that utilize the next-generation console’s capabilities:
- Higher resolution — enhanced visual experience, including 4K support when played in TV mode.
- Mouse control — use the right Joy-Con to arrange indoor decorations, create Custom Designs, or write handwritten messages on the bulletin board.
- Megaphone with built-in microphone — call out island residents’ names directly using the in-game megaphone function.
- Online mode for up to 12 players — larger online sessions if all players use the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
- CameraPlay — connect a USB camera (sold separately) to see friends’ reactions while exploring the island together.
Free Update (also for Nintendo Switch) — What’s New?
Starting January 15, a free update for the Nintendo Switch version will add several pieces of content that can also be enjoyed on the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition:
- Grand Opening Resort Hotel — a new resort hotel at the dock managed by the Kapp’n family. Players can help decorate rooms and hotel areas, as well as find new furniture and clothing at the souvenir shop.
- Slumber Island (exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members) — an additional feature for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers: design and save up to three islands, play online with friends, adjust island size/layout, access inventory and decorations, and move residents between islands.
- Island management conveniences — Reset service by Resetti to restart the island if you want to start from scratch, and increased home storage capacity up to 9,000 items (including trees, shrubs, and flowers).
- Collaborations & new items — items themed around classic Nintendo (such as Ultra Hand and Nintendo consoles), support for certain amiibo to invite specific characters, as well as the arrival of LEGO® items and series-themed goods like The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon. Nintendo Switch Online members can even play some classic titles inside the game via certain console items.
Price, Upgrade Pack, and Pre-order
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available physically and digitally at launch with an MSRP of $64.99.
- For Nintendo Switch version owners, Nintendo offers a paid upgrade pack to the Switch 2 Edition priced at $4.99. Pre-orders for the upgrade pack are open now at My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop.
This announcement opens a new chapter for Animal Crossing fans: more creative tools, multiplayer options, and enhanced visual experiences await when the update and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition officially launch on January 15. If you already own the Switch version, the affordable upgrade pack is available now — if not, the Switch 2 Edition offers exclusive features worth considering. Happy island decorating!