Features for the new Animal Crossing update and price for the New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
A new update is coming to Animal Crossing New Horizons, and it's bringing a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition along with it.
Animal Crossing New Horizons is making a comeback after a lengthy hiatus, with the game unveiling a significant new update, which coincides with the release of a new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
We were certainly taken aback when Nintendo sprung into action. Despite assurances that there would be no further updates to Animal Crossing New Horizons, it has now been revealed that a major new update is in the pipeline, set to coincide with a Nintendo Switch 2 update. To say we're thrilled would be an understatement.
The game has somewhat fallen by the wayside since the COVID lockdowns, during which it became a true icon. While some of us returned to the game to enjoy improved loading times with the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 (I personally couldn't wait to visit my favourite villager, Rod.
You're the best, Rod), it wasn't enough to truly revitalise the game and restore its community to its former glory. This update, however, could do just that, especially given that the differences between Pokemon Legends Z-A editions have been a key factor for players.
There are a few details we need to know before the Animal Crossing update and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition actually land, including the surprisingly affordable price for the latter – so what do we really need to know?
Here's every detail you need to jot down ahead of the launch of the new Animal Crossing update and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Animal Crossing update and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition release date
The release date for the Animal Crossing update for New Horizons, as well as the launch date for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, has been confirmed as January 26, 2026. Both will be available at the same time, meaning that if you're eager to get your hands on the new version, you'll automatically have the best way to play the new update.
Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features and price
Surprisingly, the Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for New Horizons is set to cost only £4.19 for an upgrade pack, and if you're buying it brand new, it's priced at £54.99. This makes it the cheapest upgrade on the Nintendo Switch, but largely because compared to other games, the content is somewhat sparse.
However, that doesn't mean it isn't thrilling, as here's what's coming to the Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for New Horizons:
- Enhanced Resolution for better graphics: The game looks crisper! There’s no change to FPS, which is a bummer (and probably explains the lower price).
- Mouse controls: You can use the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls to redecorate your island getaway. You can also use it when making custom designs, or drawing for the Bulletin Board.
- New Megaphone item: You can now buy a Megaphone that will allow you to use the Switch 2’s microphone to call out to villagers. When you do, they’ll reply to you, so they can easily be found on the island.
- Expanded online features: You can now play with 12 players on Nintendo Switch 2, perfect for use with GameChat. You can also use the USB camera to display your face above your villager’s head!
It's a brief list, but it's a significant enhancement to the game, especially at such a low price. It's certainly a no-brainer for us.
Animal Crossing update 3.0 features
Now let's talk about the big one – here's everything included in the Animal Crossing update 3.0 for New Horizons.
- A new floating hotel: Kapp’n and his family now run a hotel on the dock, where you can adorn guest rooms with furniture, buy exclusive items, and bring new guests onto your island. It’s similar to Happy Home Designer, and is a welcome addition.
- QoL additions: Your storage size can be turned up to 9,000 items, and you can now store trees, shrubs and flowers in your home storage.
- Resetti is back: The return of the king. Resetti will come to your island to help you with big tidying jobs, cleaning up flowers, custom designs, and picking up any items you like in a selected area, or across the island at large.
- New dream islands: You can go to Luna’s Dream Islands, which basically functions as an Animal Crossing creative mode that you can invite your friends to build with you! You can build three of these islands, and you're able to build and terraform simultaneously.
- New collaborations: There are new Nintendo consoles you can put in your builds (and play select games with a Nintendo Switch Online membership), and new Lego items too. There are also crossovers with The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon, offering new furniture, clothes, and two new villagers each.
That's all there is to look forward to in the new Animal Crossing update!
It's incredibly exciting, and while the news of the update has dampened hopes that a new franchise title could be coming soon, it's a lovely addition nonetheless. Here's hoping this brings us back to the island in droves.