Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 Update Launches Alongside Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans rejoice as the game has received a major new update, launching alongside Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which is now available for Nintendo Switch 2. The new edition arrives with enhanced features, while a free update is rolling out to all existing players on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, players can continue building and customising their island paradise with improved resolution. Everyday island activities like fishing, bug catching, decorating, and relaxing by the beach all benefit from the visual upgrade. The Switch 2 Edition also introduces Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, making interior decoration, Custom Designs, and bulletin board messages easier to manage. A new Megaphone item has also been added, allowing players to call island residents using the system’s built-in microphone.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition expands online functionality as well. When all participants are playing the Switch 2 Edition, up to 12 players can share an island experience online with GameChat support, while up to eight players can play together via local wireless. By connecting a compatible USB camera, including the Nintendo Switch 2 camera, up to four players can see each other’s reactions in-game through CameraPlay.
Players who already own Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch can access these enhancements by purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack separately.
Launching on the same day is a free software update available to all Animal Crossing: New Horizons players on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. This update introduces a new resort hotel run by Kapp’n’s family, where players can design themed rooms, provide outfits for visiting tourists, craft and deliver DIY island goods, and earn tickets that can be exchanged for exclusive collectibles at the souvenir shop.
Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can also invite friends to Slumber Islands, a shared dream-like space that can be customised together. The update also adds Resetti’s Reset Service, offering a quick and convenient way to tidy up the island.
New collaborations arrive with the update as well. Players can collect in-game Nintendo console items to decorate their homes, and Nintendo Switch Online members can play selected classic Nintendo titles directly in-game when interacting with specific console items. LEGO items make their debut, and selected amiibo from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series can be scanned to invite new characters and unlock themed items inspired by those franchises.
