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Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ free 3.0 update and its paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition enhancements are separate offerings. Update 3.0 adds a resort hotel, collaborations and quality-of-life changes to the game on both Switch systems; the Switch 2 Edition adds improved resolution and hardware-specific features. Both launched January 15, 2026. [Nintendo announcement]
What the free 3.0 update adds
The update is available for the base game on Nintendo Switch and is also playable in the Switch 2 Edition. Its main addition is a resort hotel on the pier, run by Kapp’n’s family.
Hotel rooms and Slumber Islands
Players can decorate guest rooms at the hotel and earn hotel tickets to spend in its souvenir shop. Players can also visit one another’s Slumber Islands online. [Nintendo’s January 15 release article]
Collaborations and crafting changes
The update brings LEGO items and retro Nintendo items to the game. It also adds content available by scanning select amiibo accessories. Nintendo Support lists two practical crafting changes: players can craft up to 10 items at once when they have enough materials, and items kept in home storage can be used as DIY materials. [Nintendo Support version history]
#1 Best Overall
- Build your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game.
- Switch 2 Edition: This game is the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. It includes the Nintendo Switch game plus upgrade pack, which includes enhancements for play on Nintendo Switch 2 system.
- Upgrade: You can purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack for this game (full version of game required to use this content; sold separately).
- If you and your friends all have the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can share your island in 12-player sessions online*—and with CameraPlay and GameChat** support, you can see and hear their reactions in real time!
What the Switch 2 Edition adds
The paid Switch 2 Edition adds features that use the newer console’s hardware, rather than replacing the free update’s content.
- Improved resolution: Nintendo says the edition offers improved resolution.
- Joy-Con 2 mouse control: Use mouse controls for decorating and working with Custom Designs.
- Megaphone: Use the console microphone to call residents.
- Expanded online sessions: Sessions can include up to 12 players when everyone is using the Switch 2 Edition.
- CameraPlay: Video features work with a compatible USB camera, sold separately. Nintendo does not specify a camera model in its announcement, so check compatibility rather than assuming any USB camera will work.
Online play requires a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo Switch Online membership; Nintendo’s terms and availability apply. [Nintendo announcement]
Rank #2
![Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51rX1kI2JnL._SL160_.jpg)
- Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility; Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
- Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools. Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
- Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere. Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
- Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more.
- Show off your paradise – Play on the same system with a total of 4 people, or play together online or over local wireless for fun with up to 8 players
Free update or paid edition: which do you need?
| Option | What it includes | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Free 3.0 update | Hotel, Slumber Islands, collaboration items and convenience changes | For the base game on Switch and playable in the Switch 2 Edition. |
| Switch 2 Edition | Free update content plus improved resolution and Switch 2-specific features | Requires a Nintendo Switch 2. Online play has Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online requirements. |
| Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack | Paid access to the Switch 2 Edition enhancements for owners of the original game | Requires the original game and a Nintendo Switch 2; it is separate from the free update. |
| Full Switch 2 Edition game | The game with the Switch 2 Edition features | Nintendo said physical and digital versions would be available. |
In Nintendo’s October 30, 2025 U.S. announcement, launch MSRPs were $64.99 for the full Switch 2 Edition and $4.99 for the upgrade pack; Nintendo noted that actual prices may vary. These are launch prices, not confirmation of current prices. [Nintendo announcement]
How to choose your purchase path
- Already own the original game and want only the new free content? Update the game; you do not need the paid edition to access update 3.0.
- Already own the original game and want Switch 2 features? Use the paid upgrade pack, provided you have the original game and a Switch 2. You do not need to buy the full game again for those enhancements.
- Do not own the game? Choose the full Switch 2 Edition if you want the Switch 2 features, or the original Switch release if you only need the base game and free update. Nintendo announced both physical and digital versions of the Switch 2 Edition.
Update version and online play
Nintendo Support’s version history lists version 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026, as the latest update in the checked support information. For online play, update the game and make sure players’ software versions are aligned. [Nintendo Support version history]
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Included is the following: Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch 2, 8 pack of PremGear Thumb Grips: 2 different heights (3mm, 7mm) 3 different colors. (Joystick Cap Covers Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 only), PremGear 24 Slot Game card Case/Holder with 2 Slot MicroSD Memory Card Adapter and PremGear Quality Cleaning Cloth
- Escape to a deserted island…now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system! Build your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game
- NEW FEATURES: Enhanced resolution, faster load times, mouse control support for faster and easier decorating, a megaphone for calling your animal residents that uses the system microphone, and more
- Show your island to family and friends—or create together on Slumber Island (with membership) Host friends on your island utopia or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online* or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it—and with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can also visit Slumber Island to terraform, build, and decorate with friends and family in a shared dreamscape
- Your island, clearer than ever With the enhanced 4K resolution of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you’ll be able to see your island and its residents even clearer than before! Get creative with mouse controls Use the intuitive mouse controls of the Joy-Con 2 controller to redecorate your home, organise your furniture, create Custom Designs and even draw posts for the bulletin board
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility; Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
- Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools. Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
- Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere. Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
- Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more.
- Show off your paradise – Play on the same system with a total of 4 people, or play together online or over local wireless for fun with up to 8 players
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
