Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting a free 3.0 update for Switch 1 and 2, but that’s not it. There is also a Switch 2 Edition coming with enhanced visuals and more. Both will be available on January 15, 2026.
Check out the announcement video below, as well as all the features Nintendo outlined in their press release.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will get a 3.0 update including these new features (via the official Nintendo press release):
- Resort Hotel’s Grand Opening: A resort hotel is opening on the pier, and it’s run by Kapp’n’s family. To bring in guests from off the island, you’ll help out by decorating guest rooms and more. Plus, find new furniture and clothing at the souvenir shop and dress up mannequins with outfits that guests can wear.
- Making Island Life More Convenient: Want a fresh start? Resetti is on hand with a convenient Reset Service to help tidy up your island. Additionally, you can now upgrade your home storage to hold up to 9,000 items, and store trees, shrubs and flowers there, too.
- Slumber Island: Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can design and save up to three islands and play with friends online. Select the size and layout of the island, build and design it collaboratively, access your inventory and decorate, plus invite residents from your home island.
- Collaborations: Collect Nintendo items like the Ultra Hand and Nintendo consoles in-game to add some classic flair to your island. Nintendo Switch Online members can play select classic Nintendo titles in-game when interacting with specific Nintendo console items, too! LEGO® items will also make their debut with this update. And use select The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo to invite certain characters — and unlock various items inspired by those series.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will include these features (via the official Nintendo press release):
- Improved resolution (4K in TV mode)
- Mouse controls with the right Joy-Con 2 controller to decorate indoors, create Custom Designs and even compose hand-written bulletin-board messages.
- Locate residents by calling their names using the in-game megaphone item and the built-in Nintendo Switch 2 microphone.
- Join 12-player sessions for online sessions if everyone is playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
- Connect a compatible USB camera (sold separately) and see their reactions in-game while exploring your island together.
Both the 3.0 update and the Switch 2 Edition will be available on January 15, 2026. The 3.0 update will be free for anyone who already owns Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The Switch 2 Edition will be $64.99 MSRP for those who do not own the game. But if you already own it, you can purchase the Switch 2 upgrade pack for only $4.99 MSRP.
Steve is the Senior Editor of NintendoFuse and co-host of the NintendoFuse Podcast. He’s been a Nintendo gamer since age 6 and has been on staff with NintendoFuse since 2008.
