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Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ free Ver. 3.0 update and paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launched in January 2026. Ver. 3.0 adds shared content to both game versions; the Switch 2 Edition and its upgrade pack add hardware-specific features. If you already own the original game, you can get the free update without buying the edition.
When did the update and Switch 2 Edition launch?
Nintendo announced a January 15, 2026 launch for the Switch 2 Edition and Ver. 3.0 update. Both are now available. Nintendo Support’s version history lists Ver. 3.0.0 as released on January 14, 2026, one day before the announced launch date.
What is free, and what costs extra?
The Ver. 3.0 content is free and playable in both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the game. The Switch 2 Edition is a separate paid version with enhancements tied to Switch 2 hardware. Owners of the original game can instead buy an upgrade pack for the Switch 2 Edition.
Nintendo’s October 2025 U.S. announcement listed an MSRP of $64.99 for the full Switch 2 Edition and $4.99 for the upgrade pack. Those are announced MSRPs, not guaranteed current prices; Nintendo says actual prices may vary.
#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 does free Ver. 3.0 add?
A resort hotel and island cleanup
Kapp’n’s family opens a resort hotel on the pier. Decorate themed guest rooms, prepare outfits for visitors, and earn hotel tickets to spend in the hotel’s souvenir shop. Resetti’s new Reset Service helps tidy up your island.
More storage and crafting options
- Expand home storage to as many as 9,000 items, including the ability to store trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Craft up to 10 items at once, and use stored items as DIY materials.
- Use a new DIY Recipes page for requests from the hotel and Tom Nook.
Slumber Island and online play
Nintendo Switch Online members can design and save up to three Slumber Islands, then build and decorate online with friends. Online features require internet access, a Nintendo Account, and Nintendo Switch Online where stated.
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
Nintendo, LEGO, and amiibo collaborations
Nintendo-themed furniture includes items such as the Ultra Hand and console furniture. Nintendo Switch Online members can play select classic Nintendo games through certain console items. LEGO furniture is available through Nook Shopping for Bells; announced examples include a LEGO arcade game, bed, DIY workbench, and fireplace.
Select The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo can invite certain characters and unlock themed items. The support is limited to select amiibo, not every figure in either series. Nintendo’s Ver. 3.0.0 notes also say Pocket Camp-linked items become orderable through Nook Shopping.
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- 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
What does the Switch 2 Edition add?
| Feature | What Nintendo says |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Improved resolution, up to 4K in TV mode with a compatible display. |
| Frame rate | Capped at 30 fps. |
| Mouse controls | Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for interior decorating, Custom Designs, and handwritten bulletin-board messages. |
| Megaphone | An in-game megaphone that uses the system’s built-in microphone. |
| Online sessions | Play online with up to 12 people when all participants have the Switch 2 Edition. Internet access and Nintendo Switch Online are required for online features. |
| CameraPlay | Use CameraPlay with a compatible USB camera, sold separately. Nintendo’s announcement does not specify a camera model. |
These are Switch 2 Edition enhancements; they are not added to the original Switch version by installing the free update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you get?
- You own the original game and only want Ver. 3.0 content: Install the free update; you do not need the Switch 2 Edition.
- You own the original game, have a Switch 2, and want its exclusive features: Compare the current upgrade-pack price with Nintendo’s announced $4.99 U.S. MSRP.
- You do not own the game and have a Switch 2: Compare the full edition’s current price with the $64.99 U.S. MSRP Nintendo announced in October 2025.
- You do not have a Switch 2: The original Switch version receives the free Ver. 3.0 content, but cannot provide the Switch 2 Edition’s hardware-specific enhancements.
For CameraPlay, you will also need a compatible USB camera. The LEGO collaboration refers to in-game furniture, not physical LEGO sets that work with the game.
Rank #4
- 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
Official details and update notes
Nintendo’s October 30, 2025 announcement describes the edition, shared update content, requirements, and announced U.S. MSRPs. Nintendo’s January 15, 2026 launch report confirms availability. The Nintendo Support update history lists Ver. 3.0.0 and later version notes. Nintendo also announced the in-game collaboration in its LEGO items article.
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