Surprise! Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Arrives Next Year

FINALLY! The content drought is over. We are so back, AC fans.

Yeesh, I know it's a month of spooky but don't jumpscare me like that Nintendo

All that I've learned is that we can no longer expect Directs when Nintendo can now be consistently making these announcements out of the complete blue

@Waluigi451 still hoping for a new game but I think Nintendo did this to hold everyone over until they are ready to launch the next game.

This update will get me back into the game

2021: “v2.0 will be the final content update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”
2025: “sike”

Um… this looks absolutely incredible. The amiibo functionality looks worthwhile, the graphics upgrade and megaphone look nice, and all the new items look amazing! The hotel seems exactly like the happy home thing though, and the slumber island seems a little weird. But I’ll definitely be picking up the Switch 2 edition and playing the new update. It’s out two days before my birthday!

Guess we're not getting the next one in 2026 then, and probably not even 2027.

@Fighting_Game_Loser honestly I'd prefer this.

@Fighting_Game_Loser Think that’s why they are so keen to push the Nintendo Today app. Allows them to shadow drop announcements like this whenever they are ready instead of waiting for the three Directs a year they do.

Well.... guess Amiibo have made a wild return this console generation. Resident Evil getting amiibo and Animal Crossing getting new Amiibo support

the upgrade pack is $5
also, there is no mention of an improved frame rate so I don't know why the article says that

@Anti-Matter this will maybe be of interest to you

Yeah, we're definitely not getting a new one next year. A tease maybe, but definitely not a release.

When I saw this trailer, I was like... "WHOOOOOOAH!"

Guess who's returning to the game now, lol. Answer: me. 🤣

I'm happy that Nintendo is upgrading existing games for the new system, but I'm also a little let down thinking that it looks like they are just going to be happy re-releasing old stuff with a new coat of paint. I'd prefer new stuff.

Welp, getting this for sure. Now it's time to start my island again because it takes a lot of time...

Seems like this will also bring a lot of others back into the game. Should be fun to play online with friends. Especially on NS2.

I wonder how long we’ll have to wait for the next game then, I was hoping for one soon

UH OH! LOOKS LIKE I’M GOING TO PLAY THIS GAME FOR MONTHS ON END AGAIN

HOLD ON IS YUNOBO GOING TO BE IN NEW HORIZONS!?!?

One little nitpick is the retro consoles just playing a game off NSO with a subscription doesn’t quite have the same magic as when they included retro games in other installments haha. Still fun to collect those systems, though.

Very interesting!
One of the games I was surprised didn't get a free update but at presumably £7.99, I'll bite.
EDIT: Apparently it's like £4.29 which is great, heck I may even pre-order that!

Love the addition of all the retro consoles, my nerd room will finally be complete!!

The hotel thing is also interesing as that seems to be a scaled back version of the paid Happy Home Paradise DLC.

Hm. I worry that this will become a PS5 situation where tiny upgrades become a substitute for new games. By now they should really have been working on the next game for a good while.

@Sylamp Whoa, where are you getting that $5 figure? That's pretty nice if true.

@LastFootnote it’s on the eshop. $5 USD confirmed.

And with this, they won't need to release a new Animal Crossing until 2030...

So, this means a new Animal Crossing is a long ways off, right? I'm kinda bummed out to be honest. Although the update looks good! I'll probably revisit my island after years of abandonment.

Well there's the January game, but why only Tears and 3 villagers? Why not bring over the rest of the crossover characters from Welcome Amiibo?

Why not bring over Puzzle League? Where's the Panel de Pon mode, EPD5?

ka-chink

Where is it?

On one side, I’m happy that we’re getting another Switch 2 Edition (and honestly I wish we had more), but at the same time I’m sad that a new Animal Crossing will likely take a few years yet given the timing of this release.

Well, it’s time for a new island!

@AgentGuapo Wait... are you saying... Nintendo made a paid update for their number 2 grossing IP... and DIDN'T overcharge for it?!

I never got on with New Horizons for some reason. I played it for a couple of weeks and didn't touch it again. I'll definitely be checking this update out though, as it offers enough bells and whistles to differentiate it from previous iterations. Saying that, I really don't see the Switch 2 getting a new entry in the series after this.

@Zeebor15 I have mixed feelings. Love the new Nintendo/lego themed items and the dream collaboration island seems like it could be fun with GameChat! Designing in mouse mode seems like it could be enjoyable too.

But the Kapp'n island seems like a total rehash of the Happy Home DLC where they could've brought back the minigame island or done something more unique and what have they done to Mr Resetti's firey personality?! No 60fps in the Switch 2 version is a bit of a bummer too. I know it's not essential in a game like this, but the added smoothness of the first GameCube Animal Crossing than ran at 60fps was really nice. I hope the next game has it.

@AmplifyMJ
Thanks for the news about Switch 2 version ACNH.

Well, well, well...

The megaphone update stings somewhat. I've been running around my Island for 5 years looking high and low for people and wanting to holla them out of hiding. 'Better late than never' doesn't quite express what I'm feeling.

Nevertheless, it's nice to see an update after all this time, and the collabs look fun. AC:NH Link looks irresistible, as does the Splatoon stuff.

I’m guessing this means a brand new Animal Crossing for Switch 2 isn’t on the horizon anytime soon (no pun intended).

Okay, that's it!
I have to get Switch 2 version of ACNH!
This is really huge deal for me as I can sink into another thousand hours again.

I hope EVERY Nintendo themed amiibo villager returns and that those 4 new ones aren’t the only ones.

Yes! Animal Crossing Switch 2 upgrade.. Looking great, QoL features, and a free big update! I can't wait

Can we talk Nintendo Life, or any really super nice person 😁 into laying out all the particulars, since the last few gens of gaming suck (from a poor consumer perspective) at updates and dlc.

Does ACNH on Switch update to 3.0 or only the Switch 2 version update gets 3.0 after paying for it?
Do we need to have purchased the ACNH HHP dlc to be able to upgrade to 3.0?

I feel like I may be making this more difficult than it is.😝

Switch -
ACNH
ACNH HHP dlc $25
Free update?
3.0 paid update?

Switch 2 -
ACNH $60 base game
$5 upgrade pack
3.0

Does Switch 2 edition REQUIRE having spent $25 on HHP dlc?

I played ACNH for like 1,000 hours during the pandemic. Had my fill. Never bought the dlc. But I do have a Switch 2 so maybe...

I’ve been thinking the earliest we would see a new Animal Crossing was 2027. This supports that theory. Hoping for March 2027, but November 2027 could be just as likely, even if they throw us right into the Winter season.

@user0 That's what I was thinking! Wouldn't it have been better just to make a new one and sell that bugger for 80 bucks?!

This looks neat and all, but I don’t think it’s going to tempt me back to my island. I would have much, much preferred a dedicated Switch 2 Animal Crossing, a completely fresh experience.

If the upgrade pack is cheap, I might pick it up.

Surely if it's £4 to upgrade to the NS2 edition, it wouldn't hurt to make it free for Expansion Pack members.

I haven't touched my island since 2022... must be in a right mess now. Or left alone the residents have created a perfect society - either way, excited to find out!

If a revised physical release surfaces and it doesn't include the DLC, then that'll be such a monumentally 🍆 move from Nintendo.

Wow, UK Switch 2 upgrade is only £4.19!

So if you update to Switch 2 version, wonder if the game cease to work on Switch 1, or will the non-Switch 2 specific additions also be on the Switch 1?....

Paying to use the mouse... At least they are not charging extra to use the pro controller that I bought.

@techdude Switch 2 versions of the game won't work on Switch. But the Switch version will stil work on Switch even if you have the upgrade.

The 3.0.0 update will work on both.

Don't really care about 4k 30fps myself (I use my Switch 2 exclusively with my monitor that is 1440p anyhow)

Still nice to see, but I hope they add a 1080p/1440p 60fps mode, that would make the experience much nicer honestly.

@Zeebor15 they were giving away updates that added the features in this switch 2 edition for free when the switch 2 came out so idk about not overcharging lol

Really would rather have a new game… all this is going to do is push back the possibility of getting a new AC game anytime soon. ACNH brought some good new features like being able to decorate outside of the house, more interior decorating options, etc as well as diy crafting. These elements I would like to see migrated to a new AC game because these features aside ACNH is still the inferior AC game compared to New Leaf.

Nintendo buried the headline.

Thanks for mentioning it Jim: Also, BULK CRAFTING!!!!! 😊❤️

@Fighting_Game_Loser I think Directs are staying, but they'll be moving these smaller reveals to the app. Leaves the Direct open for actual reveals for new games and such.

A video with 30 fps is telling…

Yay, I was waiting for a Switch 2 upgrade!

Edit; Woah, I expected the hotel years ago. Guess I finally got it.

Nice that Resetti has a more relaxed job. He deserves it. (Though I wish he was given a deeper voice.)

Not huge on them just rehashing content from the previous PAID update for free now. Could they really not have just worked in a tortimer island type mode to the hotel instead of another decorating minigame? We’re already getting the dream island in this update which actually serves to add something new, so why more decorating again. Would’ve been nice to see some upgrade to the shops too considering how small the nook’s cranny is in this game.

@rjejr The video says that the 3.0 update is free for everyone on both systems and I don’t imagine the HH update is tied to it in any way. It looks like the only thing the five dollars gets you on Switch 2 is a resolution bump, megaphone and mouse controls.

We. Are. SO BACK.

This is awesome!!! Was hoping they'd be really goofy and let players switch the music between GCN, DS, and this one. My kingdom to play ACNH to the sound of GCN' AC.

@BenAV absolutely. There is so much natural demand for the Switch 2 right now even if they release absolutely nothing for it. System sellers aren’t required this year and even next year with the continuous feed of 3rd party games and these Switch 2 versions of Switch 1 games the system will maintain momentum. Can’t wait until Nintendo feels the need to bring out the big guns because they will. This gen is going to be wild when it gets going.

Oh god...it's so close to the Gamecube version now. I'm in trouble! lol!

i cant imagine many will buy the switch 2 edition rather then just upgrade there switch 1 version $65 bucks for switch 2 yikes

This tells me there is no new animal crossing in 2026. And based on Kirby, no new Smash either. It’s also still too early for a new Zelda. Splatoon is getting a spinoff and the 3D Mario team just finished Bonanza….which may mean 2026 is a dry year for Nintendos biggest selling franchises. More and more it seems like I was right. Nintendo wasn’t ready to launch Switch 2.

Nice — althought I doubt I dive back in unless another pandemic strikes.

Talk about a bombshell.

you can play old games just like the gamecube version?
YOU CAN PLAY OLD GAMES JUST LIKE THE GAMECUBE VERSION!?
the hotel is neat, so is the dreams, defiantly gonna get all the collaborations. happy to see resetti return and have a new job.
can't wait for the update in January. i don't have a Switch 2, so not worry about picking that version up. might get it when i'm able to get one though.

Crazy they didn't have this ready as a Switch 2 edition this year and don't have a new game ready for next year. Been almost six years when this upgrade releases.

A $5 upgrade. Interesting. Well, I can appreciate the variable pricing. I'm glad they didn't just lock into a specific number for all of these.

This article mentions an improved frame rate, but I'm not seeing that anywhere else. The fine print on the official press release says that the frame rate will be capped at 30 fps for 4K visuals. And it's interesting that they didn't mention anything about load times or snappiness or anything like that. Just a visual improvement. Or did the keener eyes notice an upgrade from the video footage? Can we just expect performance upgrades on Switch 2? I know load times got a little better just by nature of the new hardware.

@AgentGuapo Thanks! I see it there now. Either that $5 figure wasn’t there when I checked a little while ago or (more likely) I somehow didn’t see it.

Okay 5 euros is fine I guess but shouldn't that be free? Better definition, mouse mode, integrated voice chat and 12 players. These sound like stuff that should be free especially in a world where Nintendo is being notoriously greedy, you'd think they would at least sometime throw us a bone.
Anyway at least it's cheap. I hope the free update drastically speeds up loading times that's the one and only thing I'm really waiting for for this title.

You’re telling me our storage can’t go over 9000??

@Dang_69 Switch 2 is literally not even a year old, it's probably gonna last close to a decade so it makes sense to spread things out instead of blowing their load early. Plus it allows them to schedule stuff next year if there are any gaps in schedule.

@Fighting_Game_Loser They’ve been doing this for years though. Off the top of my head Age of Calamity and Xenoblade X for Switch were just randomly announced out of nowhere.

@SplatRay001
I think Nintendo is not ready yet with Break Capacity Limit (more than 9999 slots)

@foursider
It's the one feature I've always wanted in AC. Let us play with the GC ost.

I’m so confused. I thought after abandoning New Horizons for so long, Nintendo would just be focusing their energies on an all-new AC game.

I guess I’ll check out the big update at some point, but ACNH was never more than a cozy game to play w my kids. They don’t have S2’s and I don’t know if they have the time/inclination to go back and play this game after so long.
They’ve grown a lot since 2020/2021.

Edit: Ok, had time to check out the trailer and this is actually pretty cool! I didn't realize the OG Switch edition update will include all the new content. I will have to show the trailer to the kiddos later and see if they'll be tempted enough to play. I know I will find time to collect all the Nintendo consoles to play Ice Climber or whatever on the island.

Welp, time to clear my schedule

Official site says the game is still 30fps

***4K resolution requires a compatible display. Frame rates capped at 30 fps.

https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?srsltid=AfmBOoqZB4i-qEQ9b3-NiCbB-B6GyQPQOO8ZvlBfHijc1VAUHhi-BrHi

Not that a slow moving game like Animal Crossing needs 60fps, but it would’ve been nice as an option. Regardless, I’m very excited for this update!

Okay this is cool and all but surely they don't have a big man chair WAIT WHAT THE-

@Bats1234 AC is important tho, tons of non gaming ppl got a Switch for AC. You can't let that crowd sit forever. I mean I guess this upgrade is something. But it'll be 6 years soon.
Crazy

@SplatRay001 I started playing it again this summer. I saw my storage and made a mini game for myself to get rid of stuff. I went from having almost full storage to less than 2000. It’s harder than I thought. Now? Oh well.

I'm so excited!!! I can't wait!!! You can't just release this news on a whim Nintendo I bout had a heart attack!

Hmmm, nice to have the additions and upgrades but is this Nintendo's filler for the S2?

Like the Wii U ports on Switch, is the library going to be full of these, because that will be hugely disappointing.

That said, the upgrade is £4 so not too bad at all.

I really wish the graphical upgrades just came with using the new, more powerful console. I really don't care about mouse mode or the megaphone, but I would like higher definition graphics.

But that free update? Ooooooh yeah! That's the stuff!

I just want the villagers to be mean to me again and call me poor.

Typical animal crossing free update w

@JimNorman It’s a Megaphone, not a Microphone.

Wow, they’re actually doing it. This means there won’t be a new game for a long time, but I’ll take it. Love the Splatoon collab. Cece and Viche shall both be mine! Too bad Big Man is just a chair…

I had just started over on Switch 1 not that long ago. Good thing it was still very early. Might as well bring the game to Switch 2 now to get an early start before the new year.

Why does the author assume that everyone is an Animal Crossing fan? I certainly did not get or play New Horizons. I actually strongly dislike Animal Crossing games.

@bleeflooflah just because they’re not releasing huge system sellers doesn’t mean they’re not ready to. Major software is a great way to keep momentum going and if the system is already selling without major titles then there really isn’t a huge rush to get them out yet. We won’t be looking at PS5 levels of stagnation, but I wouldn’t be expecting true heavy hitters until late 2026 or early 2027 and that isn’t because they’re not ready. They’re just not needed.

Thanks Nintendo. This is one of my favorite games to play when i need to relax and wind down, so to be able to buy a cheap update to take advantage of the Switch 2 power while also get new features as simply put, awesome.

Well, time to finally move my island from my OG Switch AC:NH edition purchased in 2020 during the lockdown, to my Switch 2...
Thanks for your service, OG Switch, and enjoy your well deserved retirement, I guess..!

I kept putting off this game. Only played the GC version, which I did enjoy! But was worried this one was a bit too doll house like with less game? Also felt the moment had passed, and nobody would be interested in trading etc. But this does tempt me to consider further. As others say, a new version is obviously not on the horizon...so now might be a good time to check it out!

Awfully generous of them; considering the free update is more stacked in qualities and amenities.

We practically get up to 126 acres maximum of extra island space in the form of three online dream islands that, this time, we can actually play co-op on similar to our main island; classic games are back and improvised under the NSO service; and we even get some additional Islanders, only more temporarily out of our hands.

And evidently, we won't be getting a new Animal Crossing game in these upcoming years, given this announcement, but these are a few ideas of my own:

One: a friendship system with both residential and visiting non-resident islanders. This would help promote more frequent visits from non-resident villagers and ensure alongside additional activities with resident villagers, including virtual conversations, features, and activities on our in-game phones.

Two: a wide selection of jobs, just so we can earn bells more naturally.

Three: the return of lost villagers from older games. At least I miss a few of them.

Four: what if we were able to make interior caverns using the stacked cliffs? It would make for unique island crafting, decorating, and exploring.

@rjejr
This is the real question. Does the Switch 2 Edition contains the 3.0 update? How big it is and how much storage does it save you from getting the physical edition?

As for the DLC, I think it's the same as BotW Switch 2 edition where the DLC isn't included. But the AC:NH DLC expansion is free for those NSO (premium only iirc) subscribers.

OH MY WORD. I have fallen away from ACNH (Palia is more my jam) but I will 100% be jumping back in to check these updates out!

@LoroTalby I have to disagree that they're "not needed." Nintendo has financial expectations to meet. Even if Switch 2 is selling, the margins on systems isn't nearly as high as the margins on their software. Third party may be supporting, but Nintendo only makes 30% off of those sales. Their investors will be expecting a major AAA Nintendo IP to round out the year. Besides MKW and Bonanza, everything we've seen so far is a port, including Prime 4.

Gotta say, based on nintendos usual serving $5 seems fair.
All upgrade packs should have been free tho, lol

@nessisonett
I don't think they'll release a new AC game in the first 2 years of Switch 2. They'll be working for backwards compatibility and enhancements first then release some Switch 2 exclusives to keep the sales momentum. I expect Smash Bros Switch 2 edition next.

I think Nintendo will go full Switch 2 exclusives when PS6 releases some time in 2027 if the rumors are true.

Sigh...how is it still only 30fps? I don't care about resolution. Just give me a 60fps version of the game.

Is the online mode still Dreamcast style or did they improve the way we can visit our friends islands?

@bleeflooflah I don’t believe that we will get nothing but 3rd party titles and Switch 2 ports, but I also don’t believe that the Switch 2 launched early. They could drop a brand new IP or some update to a dormant IP in April that gets people excited and sells very well. I just think some of these bigger titles were expecting are being saved to bridge the long cycle this gen will have. 3D Mario is almost certainly going to release alongside the movie as well. Let’s talk in a year and see what they did and then condemn the launch.

What in the absolute ****?!??! It's like we're getting an entirely new game for free!! Hahaha I can't stop laughing... this is incredible!!

I can't even be excited for this because they still won't let you change the Resident Representative, and I don't want to essentially start my save over to play the game on Switch 2. Sticking to 30fps is also ridiculous. At least it's only a $5 upgrade and most of the new stuff is free

Giving everyone a reason to go back to the game. Was not expecting this.

@rjejr The trailer says free update available to ALL New Horizons players and shows both Switch 1 and Switch 2 icons. Don’t know if that answers your question.

@antlion Thanks. I don't pay for any online anywhere. Just not my thing. Also not a Joymouse guy.

@UmbreonsPapa Thanks. It does. Maybe I'll watch the rest of it while I eat lunch.

@thesilverbrick Thanks. 12 minute slow talking video is a bit much in the morning. First 2 minutes were Switch 2 stuff then I stopped at online b/c I don't.

Well I'll give the fee update a go if my 1,000 save file transfered over. Something happened to our 7 year old Switch, it goes black after 20 minutes. Haven't gotten around to factory default resetting it yet but all the other tricks haven't worked. Fortunately don't miss it owning the 2.

I'm a little curious how the amiibo work. We have like 70 of them. Oh well, dark dats of winter it is. How many roaches will my island have after 4 years of inactivity?😱

Why is this not titled Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Superfluous Title-Lengthening Words, Nintendo?

Ehh. This update really just feels like more of the same. It's cute, and not bad, but it's really not enough to bring me back into the game. I stopped playing it because the game got way too boring not long after that first credit roll, and this update doesn't really bring much for me to bother jumping back in. Would have preferred a new entry, honestly. And bring back the rude villagers from the first game.

Guess I found my reason to upgrade to a Switch 2 now.

Great and all, but I think this is very telling as far as what is in store for brand new switch 2 software over the next few years - very little!

@user0 I'm going to guess this team is at work on Splatoon Raiders and when that launches it'll be full steam ahead on AC. I'll bet they already have a new AC in development, but they've been busy since 2022 with Splatoon 3 and now Raiders. I'm okay with waiting.

@Crockin no no are you joking?
They're about to release a SWITCH 2 version of
Warioware: Get it together

A switch 2 version of Super Mario RPG

A switch 2 version of twilight Princess

A switch 2 version of POKEMON BLACK AND WHITE 2!!! (CANT WAIT!!!)

A switch 2 version Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. ( honestly can't wait for the new graphics update)

A SWITCH 2 VERSION OF STAR FOX ZERO!!!!!

And quite a few others like Pikmin 3 (definitive switch 2 edition), Switch 2 version of Paper Mario: Color Splash, and the highly requested SWITCH 2 version of Sonic Lost World.

We've all been BEGGING for these. I can't believe you aren't excited. Have you not seen how many requests for these have been everywhere online?

I can only assume your comment was making fun of negative people lol. There is going to be so much to play

Damn, this finally made me want to own my own Physical Copy of this game, but it's coming out around 1,5-4,5 months before Pokémon Pokopia which is supposed to come Spring 2026, so I don't if want buy 2 same style games in such a short time between them! Atm my youngest brother owns Digital Copy of this game which one he gotta it as gift from our country's fund for sick children!

Funny that this has way more stuff than the NS2 Editions of Zelda, Pokemon, and Metroid, and is cheaper than all. Some people mentioned that it appears to still be 30 FPS, I guess that's why.

A surprise indeed, but how welcome it is! Lots of new features, finally the resolution is bumped up for the 1080p screen (although I would like 60fps as well), even more online features, and great collabs with both Zelda and LEGO!

• LEGO collab is a pleasant surprise, but my very small nag is the idea that they could have gone the whole mile and given you a uniform that transforms your villager into a full-blown LEGO mini figure! In fact, why not switch a setting in the Resident Services that transforms all your villagers into mini figures? Ah well. Just furniture it is!
• With even more players to meet up online, it would have been nice to add a few games. Tug of war? Arm wrestling? Tag? Hide and seek?
• Would have loved the ability to initiate your own fishing and bug catching contests with other players! 12-player fishing and bug-catching contests sounds like a blast! Oh and a sea creature-catching contest as well!

OMGG I'm genuinely surprised at the amount of content that we are getting.

@mlt

Yes!! Here I thought I was the only one. I listen to that soundtrack all the time, but would maime to be able to play to it again. 8a, 9a, 2p, 8p, and my beloved 5p. 🥰

Surprised the life sims aren't being spread out. In the 1st half of 2026 it looks like the 1st party lineup is 3 life sims (1 Switch 2 edition, 2 new games), 2 2D platformers (1 Switch 2 edition, 1 new game), a sports game and an esports game which isn't much variety.

So... it's basically confirmed that, like BOTW, the Happy Home DLC won't be included with the physical release. What a joke. 😢

I've been itching for a complete with DLC physical release for years, and the Switch 2 version was the perfect excuse to make that happen.

Imagine if Mario Kart 8 on Switch was just the base game, and Nintendo expected everybody to cough up more money for the Wii U DLC. Not even third parties tend to be this contemptible, but modern Nintendo keep lowering the bar...

@nessisonett The PS4/ Xbox One era had this same problem in the beginning with all those remasters.

Ughh, this is both SO COOL and also disappointing!

All I've wanted for AC:NH is a slow drip feed of new crafting recipes and new customization options for old crafting recipes, as well as new villagers and events.

This update is the exact opposite of all of that! (though we are getting a FEW new villagers...I guess)

I'm glad we're getting more amiibo villagers, but what the heck happened to Wolf Link, Epona, Ganon, Medli, Felyne, and Inkwell? And while it's nice to have Cece and Viché back, did they really need a redesign? They went from Squirrel Sisters to Deep Nut. Like, if you're going to do it, you could have at least redesigned Inkwell to be the Big Man stand-in.

This was a great surprise, I am very excited for this as I still play the game regularly. It's like my gaming homebase of sorts lol

I imagine this is like a stopgap while they work on the next game, sort of like the Welcome Amiibo update for New Leaf. It's only been 5 years since the game first launched so I'm not expecting a new game for a good while, given that the gap between New Leaf and New Horizons was 8 years.

Nope! Got rid of my New Horizons copy and will NOT be going back!

Worst game in the series!

@MARl0 at the very least there should be a performance and quality mode for those who prefer either. Not sure why Nintendo is so allergic to including this in anything that isn’t Metroid Prime 4. I should have the option to play Zelda at native 4K and 30fps

While I am VERY happy for Animal Crossing fans since there's been a content drought since 2021 (I think), this has only solidified my decision to dip my toe into the series with Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I think all this new AC:NH content will smother a series newbie like yours truly.

@Crockin not so sure as Nintendo doesnt tend to announce things years in advance. Mp4 being the exception.

We've had some belters with barely 6 months from the announcement. Im not reading this in anyway as a lean release schedule for the next few years.

@Markatron84 Animal Crossing New Horizons : Switch 2 Edition + Megaphone!

This is all well and good but I’d rather have a brand new animal crossing to play. Especially as I’ve already put 1,000+ hours into this one. I sincerely hope this doesn’t delay the next “proper” animal crossing in the series.

So this is "Beyond Horizons" huh?
I always thought the game was a prime candidate for a Switch 2 Edition upgrade, no matter how much it could cost. Ironically, this is the cheapest one yet, and clearly for a reason... but no, 60fps doesn't justify a higher price tag I mean, who would think that?

I guess this means the rumours and guesses about the next Animal Crossing game being something very different could be true, they'll need something that contrasts the island life and classic gameplay this game offers, something... citier?

I personally hope that also means we will see more updates for this game, because even with all the contet it has it still feels it could have more... new fruits, a bigger island, Pocket Camp-exclusive objects, less loading screens, and even some kind of tech that allows villagers' dialogue to be more varied.. (hmm maybe that one could be too much but it's possible for another time)

The upgrade itself looks decent, but not quite a marvelous leap that could have been... the new content does look nice though, but we'll have to wait how players themselves will use these new features to the max to see the substance.

I had to double-check and I'm shocked that a 60FPS bump isn't included as part of this.

Still overall a good update and a decent price for what's offered, but I really would have loved seeing this run at a smooth 60

@JimNorman Is the free update also for Switch 1 players?

This is getting ridiculous. Nintendo isn’t winning any new fans or expanding its base by adding tiny little updates to games released a few years ago

@Nick2054 I love it.

They hardly showed any new furniture. A couple niche new sets and hotel themed stuff doesn't seem like enough to pull me back in. No 60fps? No HDR? What exactly am I spending $5 on? Just them upping the resolution and adding mouse controls? I wanted to be excited but it seems sloppy and lazy as per their usual MO.

Dang that’s a lot of content! And the fact that the upgrade is 5$ is pretty nice. Though I’ll probably be too busy getting through my backlog before jumping in, which depending on the speed I’m going will probably be… a year or 2. 😅

I was thinking about finally getting Animal Crossing: New Horizons, maybe I can wait a bit longer and get the NS2 Edition.

I have a real soft spot for this game - played a bunch during lockdown!! Will happily spend £4 for the S2 upgrade and go back to my island to do some long overdue weeding!!

Won't Nintendo make new games anymoee?

@AmplifyMJ They are probably waiting for it to come out on PS5…

My best friend loves Animal Crossing, and this is coming out on her birthday!

@Sylamp My brother is very happy that he doesn't have to buy another copy for his Switch 2 and instead only has to pay five bucks.