Nintendo announces Animal Crossing New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and free content update for January 15

by Jon Scarr

Animal Crossing fans, it’s time to dust off those island plans. Nintendo just announced Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, bringing the cozy life sim to its new console with upgraded visuals, expanded online play, and a few clever surprises. Alongside it, both the Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch versions are getting a free content update on January 15, 2026. 

I didn’t expect Animal Crossing to headline another major Nintendo update this soon, but this one feels substantial. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition takes advantage of the new hardware with 4K support, a microphone-powered megaphone item, and online sessions for up to 12 people. There’s even optional mouse-style control using the right Joy-Con 2 controller, which should make decorating and writing bulletin board messages easier than ever.

Meanwhile, the free update adds new content that long-time residents can enjoy, including Kapp’n’s family-run resort hotel and new collaborations that mix classic Nintendo nostalgia with fresh gameplay ideas. Whether you’re just moving in or returning after a break, it sounds like there’s plenty waiting to rediscover on your island.

Life on the Island Gets an Upgrade

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons brings noticeable upgrades that take advantage of the new hardware. The game now runs at a higher resolution, with 4K output available when docked for sharper textures and cleaner details. The right Joy-Con 2 controller introduces mouse-style functionality, letting you move items, decorate interiors, and design patterns with more precision. You can even use it to handwrite notes on the bulletin board, adding a personal touch to your island.

A few smart additions make communication easier too. The built-in microphone powers a new in-game megaphone, letting you call residents by name instead of tracking them down manually. Online play also expands to support up to 12 players when everyone is using the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. And with CameraPlay, a compatible USB camera lets you see your friends’ reactions in real time during island visits, making social play feel more connected than ever.

New Adventures With the Free Update

Nintendo isn’t leaving long-time residents behind. A free content update arrives the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, adding new activities and collaborations to both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The biggest addition is Kapp’n’s family-run resort hotel, built right on your pier. You’ll decorate guest rooms, manage the souvenir shop, and even dress up mannequins with themed outfits for visitors to wear.

A few returning faces are helping too. Resetti is back with his new Reset Service, making it easier to clean up or restart your island. You can also expand home storage up to 9,000 items and stash trees, shrubs, and flowers for later use.

The update adds a new area called Slumber Island, exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members. Here, you can design and save up to three custom islands, collaborate with friends in real time, and invite residents from your main island. LEGO furniture, Zelda and Splatoon amiibo support, and in-game Nintendo collectibles round out the update’s nostalgic additions.

Getting Ready for Animal Crossing New Horizons’ Next Chapter

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the free content update launch January 15. In Canada, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is priced at $89.99 CAD, while in the United States it’s $64.99 USD. For those who already own the Nintendo Switch version, a paid upgrade pack will also be available for $6.99 CAD / $4.99 USD through the My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop. Pre-orders for the upgrade pack are open now.

Between the new resort, the expanded online play, and all the crossover items, this update feels like a real return trip to the island. I might finally reset my original town and start fresh just to see how these new features change the flow. It’s been a while since Animal Crossing felt this new again.

Are you planning to revisit your island, or will this be your first time setting up your own paradise?