Dust motes danced in the air as I blew life back into my neglected Nintendo Switch. It had been months since I last checked on my islanders, a pang of guilt hitting me as the title screen of Animal Crossing: New Horizons flickered to life. What would they say? Now seemed the perfect time to dive back in.
The whispers are true: the 3.0 update is here, along with the promise of a New Horizons experience tailored for the Nintendo Switch 2. The update itself brings enticing additions – a hotel begging to be decorated and filled with tourists, and the possibility of inviting Zelda or Splatoon characters to become residents via Amiibo.
Finding the download isn’t immediately obvious, so I’ll walk you through getting everything updated. That way, you can return to your village and finally witness their judgment of your long absence in glorious 4K resolution (if you’ve upgraded, that is).
How to update Animal Crossing New Horizons
My neighbor, a casual gamer at best, texted me in a panic this morning: “My island is stuck in springtime! How do I get the new stuff?” It’s a common question, so here’s how to update to the 3.0 version and prepare your game for the Nintendo Switch 2 enhancements:
- Download the game on your Switch or Switch 2.
- Press the + button on the Animal Crossing app from the Switch menu.
- Select “Software Update.”
- Select “Via the Internet.”
- Download the update.
The download should commence, granting you access to the free 3.0 content. The Switch 2 Edition enhancements are applied if you pre-ordered or purchased the Upgrade Pack (around €4.60).
I noticed that the updates rolled out at different times in different regions. The 3.0 update went live in the US during the morning of January 14th. The Switch 2 Edition – which boasts enhanced 4K resolution, mouse support, voice chat, 12-player co-op, and a megaphone feature – was promised on January 15th.
When I initially attempted to play the Switch 2 Edition, my console didn’t recognize it, presumably due to the regional release schedule. Once January 15th arrived in my time zone, however, the Switch 2 Edition sprang to life.
In the meantime, the core gameplay additions of the 3.0 update – the hotel, for example – are available the moment you download it.
Animal Crossing – Switch 2 Edition vs. 3.0 update
My first thought? The two updates are like a layered cake. The 3.0 update is the delicious sponge, and the Switch 2 Edition is the decadent frosting on top. Here’s a breakdown of the goodies in each:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (around €4.60)
- 4K resolution
- Mouse controls for decorating
- A megaphone to call residents
- Voice chat with Switch 2 camera
- Support for 12-player multiplayer sessions
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update (free)
- A new hotel on the island
- Slumber Island location
- 100-plus new items to collect
- New Villagers via Amiibo figures or cards
- More
Will my old Amiibo cards work with the new update?
Yes, dust off those Amiibo cards! The 3.0 update specifically mentions the ability to invite new villagers using Amiibo figures or cards. So, that collection you amassed years ago is about to become very useful.
Does the Switch 2 Edition make a huge difference?
That depends on your setup and priorities. The enhanced resolution will only be noticeable on a 4K display, of course. The other features, like mouse control and voice chat, add quality-of-life improvements, but aren’t strictly necessary to enjoy the core gameplay. If you value graphical fidelity and the new control options, the Switch 2 Edition is probably worth it.
Can I play with friends who don’t have the Switch 2 Edition?
Yes, you can still visit and play with friends who are only running the 3.0 update. The core gameplay remains compatible. However, they won’t be able to experience the 4K resolution or participate in 12-player multiplayer sessions if they haven’t upgraded.
The Switch 2 Edition gives the game a fresh coat of paint. Yet, you have to wonder if all these enhancements truly justify the cost, or if Nintendo is simply testing the waters for future, more substantial upgrades?