Grab your nets and your fishing rods, because Animal Crossing: New Horizons is about to get its biggest shot of new content since the 2.0 update. On January 15, 2026, a free Version 3.0 update lands for everyone, alongside a paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that gives the game a serious next-gen glow-up.

We’ve sifted through all the announcements to bring you a complete breakdown of what’s new, what’s upgraded, and how you can get in on the action.

What’s Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

If you’re making the jump to the new console, the Switch 2 Edition is more than just a resolution bump. Here’s what you’re paying for:

• 4K Visuals: The biggest and most obvious upgrade. Your island will look sharper than ever in TV Mode, showcasing every blade of grass and detail in your custom designs. It’s still 30fps, but expect a much more stable experience.
• Mouse Mode Precision: Say goodbye to clumsy analog stick designing. Using the Switch 2’s new Mouse Mode, you can meticulously place furniture, create pixel-perfect custom designs, and write on the bulletin board with a new level of control.
• The Megaphone Item: A fun throwback to Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Buy this new tool at Nook’s Cranny and literally call out your villagers’ names using the console’s microphone to find them anywhere on the island.
• Expanded Online Play: Host a massive island party! The player cap has been raised from 8 to 12 players simultaneously. This edition also fully integrates with the Switch 2’s GameChat and Camera features.

What’s in the FREE Version 3.0 Update (For Everyone!)

This is the meat of the announcement, and it’s completely free for all players, whether you’re on Switch 1 or Switch 2. This is a massive content drop.

• Kapp’n’s Resort Hotel: The beloved sea captain and his family are opening a hotel! You’ll be tasked with decorating rooms to specific themes to attract guests. Scanning amiibo can invite specific characters. The reward? Hotel Tickets to exchange for exclusive items.
• Massive Storage Expansion: Your home storage is getting a HUGE upgrade. The limit jumps from 5,000 to a staggering 9,000 items. You can even store trees and shrubs now!
• Resetti’s Clean-Up Service: Sonny Resetti is back with a new, peaceful purpose. His “Reset Service” lets you instantly clean up specific areas of your island, saving you the hassle of manually picking up dropped items.
• Slumber Island: Luna’s dream suite gets an upgrade. You can now create and fully customize your own “Slumber Island” from the ground up—placing bridges, inclines, and setting the weather. You can create up to three islands and even help decorate your friends’.
• Epic Collaborations: A slew of new crossover items are coming:
  • Nintendo Retro: Unlock classic consoles and toys. With Nintendo Switch Online, you can even play original games on them in-game!
  • LEGO: Get clothing and furniture sets in classic LEGO brick style.
  • Zelda & Splatoon: Tap specific amiibo to unlock themed outfits, items, and even new villagers like Tulin and Cece.

The Essential FAQs

How much does the Switch 2 Edition cost?
If you already own the Switch 1 version, you can get an Upgrade Pack for $4.99. New players can buy the full Switch 2 Edition for $64.99 (available both digitally and physically).

Is the Version 3.0 update really free?
Yes! The Resort Hotel, Slumber Island, collaborations, and all the other new features listed above are a free download for anyone who owns the game on any platform.

When does it all launch?
Mark your calendars for January 15, 2026. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 Edition are live now on the eShop.

The Takeaway

This is a monumental update that breathes fresh life into the game. The free 3.0 content offers countless hours of new decoration and collection goals, while the Switch 2 Edition provides a tangible reason for veterans to revisit their islands with a new perspective.

What are you most excited about? The resort? The storage expansion? Finally being able to yell for your villagers? Let us know down in the comments