Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition announced alongside a major free update

Nintendo has announced that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is receiving a paid upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2, which will release alongside a major 3.0 content update that is also coming to its predecessor.

The details:

• As announced by Nintendo, the upgrade will launch on January 15, 2026, where it will be available as a new release for $64.99 or as a $4.99 upgrade pack for those who already own the title on the original Switch. The company has also confirmed that pre-orders will open up very soon.
• The Switch 2 Edition will feature improved visuals and mouse controls using the Joy-Con 2 controller, allowing players to redecorate their homes, create custom designs, and interact with the bulletin board using the new control scheme. It will also support expanded online play for up to 12 players (compared to eight in the standard version) as well as support for Switch 2 camera accessories and its microphone, which will allow players to display their faces alongside their characters and speak in-game via a megaphone.
• Nintendo has confirmed that the free Version 3.0 update will also launch on Switch 1 and 2 on January 15 and will introduce a new pier-side hotel run by Kapp'n's family, where players can decorate guest rooms to entertain visitors from off the island. The update will feature collaborations with the likes of LEGO, playable NES and Game Boy games, expanded home storage for up to 9,000 items, and a new “Slumber Island” system for Switch Online subscribers, allowing them to decorate up to three islands without altering their main island.

Watch the trailer below: