Animal Crossing: New Horizons Free DLC & Switch 2 Edition Announced
▼ Summary
– Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches on January 15, 2026, and costs $64.99/AU$88.95, with a $4.99/AU$7.99 upgrade for existing owners.
– The Switch 2 Edition includes enhancements like 4K resolution in TV mode, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, and microphone features for locating residents.
– A free content update (Version 3.0) arrives on January 15 for both Switch and Switch 2, adding features like the Resort Hotel and a Reset Service.
– The update expands home storage to 9,000 items and allows Nintendo Switch Online subscribers to create and save up to three islands.
– New collectible Nintendo items and amiibo support enable in-game classic Nintendo titles and character invites from series like Zelda and Splatoon.
Nintendo has officially confirmed that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will receive both a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and a substantial free content update, both launching simultaneously on January 15, 2026. This dual announcement marks a significant moment for the beloved life-simulation franchise, bringing enhanced experiences to both new and existing players.
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available for purchase at $64.99. For players who already own the game on the original Nintendo Switch, a discounted upgrade path is available for just $4.99. This new edition is designed to leverage the advanced hardware of the upcoming console, introducing a suite of technical and gameplay improvements.
Key enhancements in the Switch 2 Edition include support for improved resolution, reaching up to 4K in TV mode. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers will introduce intuitive mouse-like controls, making activities such as home decoration, creating Custom Designs, and writing on the bulletin board more precise. A novel feature allows players to use the Switch 2’s built-in microphone to call out a resident’s name with an in-game megaphone, helping to locate them quickly. The social experience is also expanding, with support for online sessions accommodating up to 12 players, provided everyone is using the Switch 2 Edition. A new cooperative feature called CameraPlay will also be introduced for exploring islands with friends.
Simultaneously, a major free content update, labeled Version 3.0, will be released for all players on both the original Switch and the new Switch 2 Edition. This marks the first major downloadable content since 2021. The headline addition is the Grand Opening of the Resort Hotel on the pier, managed by Kapp’n’s family. Players will be able to decorate hotel rooms and invite special guests to stay from off the island.
Quality-of-life improvements are a major focus of the update. A new Reset Service will be available to help players efficiently tidy up their entire island. Home storage capacity is receiving a massive boost, now capable of holding up to 9,000 items, which also includes trees, shrubs, and flowers. For Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, the update brings the ability to create and save up to three separate islands, enhancing opportunities for online collaboration and play with friends.
The update also introduces a range of new collectibles. Players can find Nintendo-themed items like the Ultra Hand from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and replicas of classic Nintendo consoles. For Switch Online members, these specific console items can even be used to play a selection of classic Nintendo titles directly within the game.
Furthermore, compatibility is expanding for amiibo figures. Using select amiibo from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series will allow players to invite characters from those franchises to their island and unlock a variety of series-inspired items.
(Source: techradar)
