Nintendo is delivering a double dose of island life to fans this week, with a new port for its upcoming console and the first major content drop for the game in over four years.
Switch 2 Launch Details and UK Pricing
The upgraded version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on Thursday, January 15, 2026. It will be priced at £54.99 for new buyers. However, in a move welcomed by existing players, Nintendo is offering a generous upgrade path.
If you already own the Switch 1 version, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 edition for just £4.19. This is noted as the cheapest upgrade fee Nintendo has set for any Switch 2 game so far.
Arriving on the same day is the substantial free 3.0 update, which will be available for both the original Switch and the new Switch 2 versions of the game.
What's New in the Switch 2 Version?
The Switch 2 port brings several technical enhancements that leverage the new hardware, though no exclusive major game content. Key improvements include support for the Switch 2's mouse controls, making the creation of custom clothing designs and bulletin board posts more intuitive.
A clever new feature uses the console's built-in microphone. When paired with a new megaphone item, players can call out villager names to locate them more easily around the island.
For online multiplayer, GameChat support is included, allowing up to 12 players to interact at once, a increase from the Switch 1's limit of eight. Visually, the game benefits from optimised graphics and 4K support on the new console.
It's important to note that the Switch 2 version does not include the Happy Home Designer DLC; this must still be purchased separately or accessed via a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
Everything in the Free 3.0 Update
The 3.0 update is arguably the bigger news, adding significant new content and quality-of-life features that players have long requested. Central to the update is a new hotel that players can help run and decorate, earning special tickets to trade for exclusive items, including themed gear from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon.
The beloved, grumpy character Mr. Resetti makes a return, offering a service to instantly reset parts of your island and clear away placed items. Two of the most impactful changes address long-standing player desires: inventory space is expanded to hold 9,000 items, and via Luna's Dream World, players can now create and customise three additional islands.
The Future of Animal Crossing
This unexpected flurry of activity for a game that saw its last major update in November 2021 has sparked questions about the series' future. With nearly six years having passed since New Horizons' original 2020 launch, a proper sequel for Switch 2 is assumed to be in development.
However, the scale of this new update suggests that Animal Crossing 6 may not be releasing imminently. Nintendo has a history of announcing games relatively close to launch, making its timeline difficult to predict. For now, both new and established villagers have plenty to keep them busy on their existing islands.
