A recent surprise from Animal Crossing is set to inspire the cozy vibes fans of the franchise have come to love, offering a breath of fresh air during times of uncertainty.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a beloved escape for millions during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating cherished memories for both new and veteran players. While the latest announcement doesn’t introduce a brand-new game as many hoped, it’s undeniably a welcome development.
The exciting news is that New Horizons will receive a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade alongside a free 3.0 update early next year, promising a multitude of technical enhancements and new content to enjoy.
What will the 3.0 update include? The update will be free for all players using the original Switch and the new Switch 2. However, the Switch 2 upgrade pack will be a paid DLC priced at $4.99 (approximately €4.70). This upgrade unlocks improved resolution up to 4K and JoyCon 2 mouse controls, enhancing how you decorate and create custom designs, like messages on the town billboard.
Are there any new items to look forward to? Yes! A new Megaphone item will utilize the Switch 2’s microphone to help you communicate with and locate your island residents. Additionally, the Switch 2 version allows up to 12 players to connect and play together on an island, complete with support for GameChat during gameplay.
What other features are included in the 3.0 update? Alongside the new hotel location where players can decorate guest rooms and unlock fresh items and outfits, numerous quality-of-life improvements will be introduced. Expect increased storage and the ability to tidy up areas of the island with NPC Resetti, who can reset specific map sections.
Luna’s New Dream World introduces Slumber Island, a sandbox area where players can freely decorate and build, allowing for unlimited creativity.
Will there be collaborations in the update? Absolutely! Players will enjoy the ability to play retro Nintendo games within Animal Crossing itself, alongside LEGO-themed items for crafting and styling, plus a Legend of Zelda collaboration featuring characters like Mineru and Tulin, among others like some Splatoon items.
When can players access the Switch 2 upgrade and 3.0 update? Both will be available on January 15, 2026. I can already imagine my villagers expressing their disappointment over my absence these past four years!
If you enjoy content like this, consider setting Moyens I/O as a preferred source on Google so you can continue to discover exciting updates.