Animal Crossing: New Horizons was the second best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch (right behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe), so it's no surprise that Nintendo decided to move forward with a Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition brings the beloved cozy game to Nintendo's latest console, though the upgrade isn't free. Anyone interested in upgrading to Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will have to shell out $4.99.
For most people, $4.99 won't break the bank, but some may still wonder if the upgrade is worth the asking price. Switch 2 Edition after all Animal Crossing: New Horizons coincided with the release of the big 3.0 update, which is what really got fans buzzing. Animal Crossing: New HorizonsThe free 3.0 update will add a hotel to the island that players can decorate, various quality of life upgrades, secret new features, Slumber Islands, and crossover content with LEGO, Zeldaand others. It's meat and potatoes New Horizons rebirth, and since it's all free, it's understandable that some Switch 2 owners might be scratching their heads at what they're paying for.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 is officially launched a day ahead of schedule
Update 3.0 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 today, instead of the planned January 15th release date.
As it turns out, not much. Switch version 2 Animal Crossing: New Horizons it features a higher resolution, but I played both versions of the game back to back and didn't notice it that big difference. The Switch 2 version features slightly faster load times and seems to run better in general, so if that's important to you, then $4.99 may very well be worth it. Otherwise, you could skip the upgrade and not lose sleep at night.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has Switch 2 exclusive features, but they aren't that big
In addition to the expected graphical and performance enhancements of the Switch 2 version Animal Crossing: New Horizons it has some exclusive features but nothing to write home about. Joy-Con 2 mouse controls can be used to design and decorate your home. People who are really into designing will probably appreciate this new feature, but for those who don't, mouse control won't be a selling point.
There's also a new megaphone that's exclusive to the Switch 2 version New Horizons. When purchased for 3500 bells from Nook's Cranny, you can use it to call out the names of villagers and make them easier to find on the island. You literally have to call out their names using the Switch 2's microphone, and in my experience it was surprisingly accurate, with the exception of one villager. For some reason the game didn't recognize me saying “Pecan” and yes, I tried every pronunciation I could think of. Otherwise, the megaphone function works as advertised.
The last big difference between New Horizons on the Switch 2 and Switch 1 versions of the game, there are 12-player multiplayer sessions. I don't even know 12 people in real life who own a Switch 2, so I couldn't test this feature. It's great for people who like to play in large groups Animal Crossingbut otherwise it probably won't apply much.
The Switch 2 upgrade is neat, but not necessary
However, added functionality is added functionality, and I think there are some things exclusive to the Switch 2 that are neat, like the megaphone. $4.99 is a relatively low asking price, but since all the best new stuff is free, you can skip the upgrade and still get back to your Animal Crossing: New Horizons island.
- Released
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January 15, 2026
- ESRB
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All / Comic book mischief, mild fantasy violence, user interaction, in-game purchases
- Developers
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Nintendo EPD
- Publishers
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Nintendo
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op
