Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Launches January 2026 With Major Upgrades

Nintendo is once again elevating its beloved island life simulator with the official announcement of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, scheduled for a worldwide release on January 15, 2026.

A cornerstone of the Nintendo Switch’s library, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has engaged more than 44 million players since its original launch in March 2020.

Now, as Nintendo transitions to the Nintendo Switch 2, dedicated fans and new players alike can look forward to a significantly enhanced experience. According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 Edition will introduce a host of improvements designed to take full advantage of the new hardware.

Players can expect upgraded 4K resolution when playing in TV mode, providing a noticeably sharper and more vibrant visual experience.

In an innovative step, the upgraded edition adds mouse controls using the right Joy-Con 2 controller, streamlining indoor decorating, Custom Design creation, and even enabling the composition of handwritten messages on your island's bulletin board.

For the first time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons players will also have the opportunity to locate villagers by calling their names through an in-game megaphone, utilizing the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone.

Multiplayer receives a major upgrade as well—up to 12 players can now gather online for sessions, provided all participants are playing the Switch 2 Edition.

A new CameraPlay mode will let players connect a compatible USB camera (sold separately), allowing them to see friends’ reactions within the game as they explore islands together. For existing Animal Crossing: New Horizons owners on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo is offering a $4.99 upgrade pack, making the transition to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition accessible and affordable.

As an added bonus, a free update will be released for both Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch versions, ushering in new content and gameplay improvements. Highlights of this free update include the grand opening of a resort hotel on the pier, run by Kapp’n’s family, where players can decorate guest rooms and discover exclusive furniture and clothing in the accompanying souvenir shop.

New collaborative opportunities come to the forefront with Slumber Island, allowing Nintendo Switch Online members to design and save up to three islands, collaborate with friends, and invite familiar island residents.

Enhanced convenience features such as a Reset Service run by Resetti, increased home storage for up to 9,000 items—including trees and flowers—promise to make island management smoother than ever. Players will also see expanded amiibo functionality, brand collaborations, and new collectibles.

Notably, collaborations introduce LEGO items, Nintendo-branded collectibles like the Ultra Hand and classic Nintendo consoles, and themed items tied to The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series.

Select amiibo will invite special characters and unlock unique, franchise-inspired rewards, while interacting with in-game Nintendo consoles lets Nintendo Switch Online members play select classic titles within Animal Crossing. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available at retail and via the Nintendo eShop.

This major refresh demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to evolving one of their most successful franchises in step with new hardware, offering fans compelling reasons to revisit and reimagine their island life.

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