No. Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows one main island per Nintendo Switch system, shared by everyone who plays on it. Each person can have a resident on that island, but a separate main island requires another Switch—not just another user profile or game copy.
How the shared island works
Nintendo Support says, “You can only create one island per Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system, even if you use multiple games.” The limit is tied to the console, so adding a user profile or inserting another copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will not create a second main-game island. Nintendo’s island-save FAQ explains the system-level limit.
New players on that Switch join the existing island as residents. Nintendo’s current guidance allows up to eight residents on one island. If your household has one Switch and one game, up to four people can play together at the same time. Nintendo’s multiplayer guidance covers the local-play limit.
The first resident and island progress
The first player to move to the island becomes its Resident Representative. Some progression tasks are reserved for that player, and Nintendo says the role cannot be reassigned. Consider which person should start the island if shared progress and responsibility matter to your household.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
What your options provide
| Option | What happens | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Add another user on the same Switch | The user becomes a resident on the existing island. | No separate main island; some progression tasks belong to the Resident Representative. |
| Use another game copy on the same Switch | The console still uses its one island save. | Multiple copies do not bypass the system-level limit. |
| Use a second Switch | You can create a different main island on the other system. | A separate system is required for a separate island. |
Nintendo’s official game listing identifies Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch; buying another copy for the same console does not change its one-island rule.
Moving an island or resident to another Switch
If you later get another system, decide whether you want to move the whole island or only one resident. Nintendo provides separate transfer procedures for those cases.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Transfer the whole island
A full island transfer moves the island and its residents to the replacement Switch. The island is no longer available on the source system afterward. Follow Nintendo’s island-transfer instructions rather than treating the move as a way to duplicate an island.
Transfer one resident
A non-representative resident can move to an island on another Switch. The Resident Representative cannot move by themselves through the individual-resident process. Nintendo says this transfer requires two systems and game copies; see its resident-transfer instructions.
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Separate resort progress in Happy Home Paradise
The Happy Home Paradise DLC has resort-island progress that is separate for eligible players on a shared console. That gives players their own resort experience, but it does not give them separate main-game islands. The distinction is described in Nintendo’s Happy Home Paradise information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Island backup is not the standard cloud-save feature
Animal Crossing: New Horizons does not support the standard Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud functionality. Instead, it has a separate island-backup feature: it is not enabled by default, requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, and island data is shared across residents. See Nintendo’s island-backup instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
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.
