Animal Crossing: New Horizons Levels Up on Switch 2—Stunning Visuals, Fresh Features, and Big Surprises Await!
animal crossing update
Get ready to pack your bags and head back to your favorite island—because Animal Crossing: New Horizons is making a grand return in 2025 with a massive upgrade. Nintendo has officially announced that Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will launch on January 15, as well as a free update for all existing New Horizons players on both the original Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. The news has fans buzzing with excitement, and it’s easy to see why: this isn’t just a visual upgrade—it’s a full-blown island revival.
The upcoming Switch 2 version promises improved visuals, smoother gameplay, and exciting new features that breathe new life into one of Nintendo’s most beloved games. Players can now enjoy New Horizons in stunning 4K resolution when playing on their TV, offering breathtaking detail of every flower, seaweed, and sunset on their tropical island paradise. The game will also take advantage of the Switch 2’s new capabilities, including mouse-style controls via the right Joy-Con 2 controller. Decorating your home, creating custom designs, and writing messages on the island’s bulletin boards will now feel more precise and natural than ever.
One of the most exciting new features is the in-game megaphone, which is available for purchase at Nook’s Cranny. This useful tool uses the Switch 2’s built-in microphone to help you locate your villagers—just call out their names, and you’ll hear their adorable responses echoing across the island. For social players, Nintendo is amping up the fun with advanced multiplayer features. The Switch 2 version will support up to 12 players in online sessions, doubling the original limit. You can also connect a compatible webcam to use the new “CameraPlay” mode, allowing you to see your friends’ real-time reactions as you visit each other’s islands. It’s an adorable and interactive diversion that brings island life closer than ever.
For existing players who already have Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the original Switch, there’s also good news. Nintendo will release a free update on January 15, which will be available to everyone, no matter what console they use. This update introduces a brand-new resort hotel built on the island’s pier, managed by Kappan’s family. Here, players can decorate luxurious guest rooms, shop for exclusive furniture and outfits in the resort’s souvenir store, and even dress up mannequins with fashionable new designs. The resort promises to be a vibrant hub for islanders seeking refreshing activities and creative inspiration.
Fans will also be happy to see the return of Mr. Resetti, the iconic angry mole from the earlier Animal Crossing games. This time, he’s offering a new “Reset Service,” designed to help players clear their islands or start fresh without losing their favorite designs and progress. It’s a nostalgic nod to the series’ roots, mixed with modern conveniences that longtime players will appreciate.
Storage has always been a challenge for dedicated collectors, and it seems Nintendo has listened. With the new update, players can upgrade their home storage with up to 9,000 items—yes, that includes trees, bushes, and flowers. Whether you’re a hoarder of turnips or a collector of rare furniture, this expanded capacity means you’ll finally have room for everything. And for those who subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, there’s even more in store. Members will gain access to “Slumber Island,” an exclusive feature that allows you to design and save three different islands. You can invite friends online to help you create, decorate, and experiment with new layouts in real-time collaboration. It’s a dream come true for creative players who love creating unique island experiences with others.
Nintendo is also introducing some cool collaborations with this update. Players will be able to collect classic Nintendo items like the Ultra Hand and old-school Nintendo consoles to add nostalgia to their islands. Even better, interacting with certain console items will allow Nintendo Switch Online members to play select retro Nintendo titles directly within Animal Crossing. In a playful crossover, LEGO-themed items are also joining the fun—so you can decorate your island with colorful bricks and build blocky masterpieces in the game itself. And for fans of The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon, special amiibo support will unlock characters and themed items inspired by those legendary series, making your island more dynamic and diverse than ever.
Nintendo also revealed pricing details for the Enhanced Edition. The Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available digitally and physically for $64.99. For players who already own the original game, a paid upgrade pack will be available for just $4.99—a small price to pay for a hefty dose of new content and improved visuals. Pre-orders are already live on the My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop, with fans rushing to secure their copy ahead of the January launch.
Since its original release in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been more than just a game—it has become a cultural phenomenon. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided millions of players with a way to escape comfort and stay connected while the world stood still. Whether it’s hosting virtual birthday parties, visiting friends’ islands, or simply fishing on the shore, the game’s laid-back rhythm and endless creativity captured the hearts of generations. It became one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch titles of all time, with over 42 million copies sold worldwide.
Now, five years later, the Switch 2 version marks a new chapter for the beloved franchise. By combining high-end visuals, fresh gameplay options, and expanded online features, Nintendo is giving fans plenty of reasons to return to their islands or make a fresh start. The inclusion of cross-platform updates ensures that even native Switch players will not be left behind, keeping the community united on the console.
This new version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons feels like a love letter to the fans who made the game a global sensation. It captures everything players love—charm, creativity, and community—while enhancing it for the new generation of hardware. From the relaxing sounds of ocean waves to the friendly interactions of your animal neighbors, every detail is getting a next-gen shine that is sure to rekindle the same relaxing magic that made the game a cozy hit around the world.
When January 15th arrives, millions of players will once again wake up to the sweet sound of in-game waves, ready to welcome Tom Nook, Isabelle, and their island friends. Whether you’re a newcomer preparing to design your first island or a longtime resident returning for a renewal, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition promises to make your island adventures richer, more vibrant, and more beautiful than ever before. So, dust off your fishing rod, grab your shovel, and get ready to get back to your piece of paradise—because island life is about to get a stunning 4K upgrade.