Animal Crossing: New Horizons relaunches on Switch 2 with 4K visuals and 12-player online
Nintendo has announced a major new content expansion for its global hit, Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The news is a two-part release, featuring a free content update for all existing players on Nintendo Switch, as well as a new, enhanced “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” of the game.
The “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” will launch with a host of technical enhancements.
These include improved 4K resolution in TV mode, new mouse controls for decorating, and an in-game megaphone item that uses the Switch 2’s built-in microphone to call for residents.
This new version will also expand the game’s online capabilities, allowing for up to 12 players to visit an island at one time, and will feature a new “CameraPlay” function.
The Switch 2 Edition will be available as a full $64.99 USD purchase, but existing owners of the Nintendo Switch version will be able to purchase a paid upgrade pack for $4.99 USD.
On the same day, a massive free update will be released for all players on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, introducing a wealth of new content and features.
The highlights of the free update include:
- A New Resort Hotel
A new resort building, run by Kapp’n’s family, will open on the island’s pier, allowing players to decorate guest rooms and bring in visitors.
- Island Life Improvements
The long-awaited character Resetti will appear, offering a “Reset Service” to help tidy up your island.
Home storage will also be upgradeable to a new maximum of 9,000 items and will now be able to store trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- “Slumber Island” Mode
This new feature for Nintendo Switch Online members will allow players to design and save up to three separate islands, which can be built collaboratively with friends online.
- New Collaborations
A host of new in-game items will be added, including classic Nintendo items like the “Ultra Hand,” as well as new LEGO® items.
Players will also be able to use select The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo to invite special characters and unlock themed items.
Both the free update and the new “Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” are scheduled to launch on Wednesday, the 15th of January, 2026, and more details are available in the official announcement trailer on YouTube:
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