If you have spent the last few years meticulously terraforming every square centimetre of your virtual island, only to wonder what else there is to do once the weeds are gone, I have some delightful news. Today marks the official launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
It is time to dust off your vaulting pole and charge your new console, because this isn’t just a simple update; it is a significant glow-up for our favourite getaway so we have a lot to talk about.
Crisp Views and Better Controls
First, the resolution. Moving your island life over to the Nintendo Switch 2 means seeing your hard work in stunning clarity. Those sunsets on the beach hit a little differently when you can see the finer details of the waves.
But the real game-changer for me? The Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. If you have ever felt the slight frustration of trying to place furniture perfectly or pixel-art your way through a custom design using standard thumbsticks, you will understand the joy here. It brings a level of precision to interior decoration that we have been craving since 2020. Plus, there is a new Megaphone item that lets you shout to your residents using the console’s built-in microphone (just in case they are hiding behind a tree when you need to hand over a gift).
The More the Merrier (Literally)
Socialising has received a massive boost. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition now supports up to 12 players for online sessions, complete with GameChat support. If you have the hardware to match, you can even connect a compatible USB camera to use CameraPlay, allowing you to see your friends’ actual facial expressions as you show off your latest bug catch. It is a bit cheeky, a bit chaotic, and entirely welcome.
A Resort Refresh for Everyone
Even if you aren’t ready to jump into the full Switch 2 Edition just yet, Nintendo hasn’t forgotten the original community. A massive free update has also dropped today for all players across both consoles.
The highlight is undoubtedly the new resort hotel run by Kapp’n’s family. It is a creative haven where you can design themed rooms and dress up visiting tourists. It feels like a miniature career change for our characters, complete with a souvenir shop where you can redeem tickets for exclusive collectibles.
For those who enjoy a bit of surrealism, the Slumber Islands (available for Nintendo Switch Online members) offer a shared dreamscape where you and your friends can transform the environment without permanent consequences. And if your island has become a bit of a cluttered mess, Resetti is back with a “Reset Service” to help you tidy up in a flash.
Retro Vibes and LEGO Bricks
In a move that appeals to the nostalgic among us, the update introduces in-game Nintendo consoles. You can collect these to add some retro flair to your home, and if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can actually play selected classic titles directly through those in-game items. It’s playing Nintendo, while playing Nintendo. How very “Inception”.
We are also seeing the debut of LEGO items, adding a whole new aesthetic to our decorating options. For the Amiibo collectors, scanning characters from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series will now unlock themed items and invite special guests to your island.
How to Upgrade
If you already own the original game on the first Nintendo Switch, you don’t need to start from scratch. An upgrade pack is available for purchase separately, allowing you to bring your existing island into the new era with all the Switch 2 enhancements.
It is a rare thing for a game to feel this fresh five years after its initial debut, but with these hardware-specific upgrades and a generous free update for the rest of the community, life on the island has never looked better.
