Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition Unveiled — 4K Graphics, Expanded Multiplayer, and amiibo Support Highlight Major Free Update

Nintendo continues to expand the horizons of its beloved social simulation franchise, unveiling Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition as part of its latest wave of major announcements.

The acclaimed developer surprised fans by not only introducing advanced features for its new hardware platform, Switch 2, but also confirming a significant free update for both the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2 versions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition is set to launch with notable enhancements aimed at delivering a richer, more connected island life.

For a modest $5 upgrade, existing players can enhance their experience with upgraded 4K visuals, expanded multiplayer capacity, and even mouse support—a first for the series on Nintendo hardware.

These technical improvements align with Nintendo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of social simulation games on both the Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Switch 2 platform. The free upcoming update, which will roll out to both Switch and Switch 2 owners, dives deeper into cross-franchise collaboration—a trademark of Animal Crossing updates in recent years.

This time, fans can welcome new and returning collaboration villagers to their towns.

Among the newly introduced characters are Tulin and Mineru from The Legend of Zelda, further cementing the strong ties between two of Nintendo’s flagship franchises.

Longtime fans will also rejoice at the return of the cosplaying squirrel duo, Cece and Viché, each arriving in fresh new outfits that reflect the updated art style. Nintendo’s approach to celebrating its universes within Animal Crossing isn’t new.

Back in November 2016, the handheld classic Animal Crossing: New Leaf for Nintendo 3DS received its most expansive update ever: Welcome amiibo.

That landmark content drop introduced amiibo integration, enabling players to summon villagers from a host of popular series by scanning amiibo cards or tapping figures.

The crossover roster included characters from The Legend of Zelda (Wolf Link, Medli, Ganon, and Epona), Splatoon (Cece, Viché, and Inkwell), Hello Kitty (Rilla, Marty, Étoile, Chai, Chelsea, Toby), and Monster Hunter (Felyne). While Hello Kitty villagers were added to Animal Crossing: New Horizons via eShop updates in 2021, the January 15th update brings back Cece and Viché, leaving questions about the potential arrival of Wolf Link, Ganon, and other iconic crossover villagers.

Nintendo’s official communication has highlighted these additions, emphasizing the company’s ongoing support for the game across both current and next-generation Nintendo hardware. As anticipation builds for the January 15th rollout, the Animal Crossing community is abuzz with excitement about the series’ expanded multiplayer, enhanced visuals on Switch 2, and the return of beloved villagers.

With these announcements, Nintendo reiterates its commitment to long-term content support, ensuring Animal Crossing: New Horizons continues to thrive on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 through ongoing updates, amiibo connectivity, and cross-franchise collaborations.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Nintendo amiibo Switch 2 Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch Switch 2 Edition Multiplayer New Horizons multiplayer The Legend of Zelda Splatoon Monster Hunter Hello Kitty Tulin Mineru Cece Viché Welcome amiibo Jason Ganos