Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and free update announced

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has just revealed a brand new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and a free update. Both are coming on January 15, 2026.

If you pick up the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you’ll be able to access a number of new features. These include improved resolution (4K when docked), mouse controls with the Joy-Con 2 to decorate indoors, create Custom Designs and even compose hand-written bulletin-board messages, the ability to locate residents by calling their names using the in-game megaphone item and built-in Nintendo Switch 2 microphone, 12-player sessions online if everyone is playing in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and CameraPlay with friends.

As for the free update, it includes a new resort hotel run by Kapp’n’s family, new themed items and characters, extra exclusives like Slumber Island for Nintendo Switch Online members, and more. Here’s what’s included:

• 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.

Watch a trailer for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and free update below.

Switch 2 Edition and Update Trailer

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be sold physically and digitally for $64.99 with an upgrade pack planned for $4.99.