All 4 Animal Crossing: New Horizons Features Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2

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Animal Crossing fans have been eagerly awaiting news about the future of the series, and they finally got some! While a full sequel to New Horizons isn’t available just yet, a huge update (version 3.0) is coming to the game, alongside a new version for the upcoming Switch 2 console. This Switch 2 edition will not only feature improved graphics and performance, but also includes fresh content alongside the major update.

I have to be honest, I haven’t been very impressed with most of the upgraded older games announced for the Switch 2. While the improved graphics and performance are noticeable, it often doesn’t feel worth the extra $10 to replay something you’ve already played. However, the Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is different. It includes several new features that might actually convince players to start a brand new island when it releases on January 15th, 2026. Here’s a complete list of what’s new in this Switch 2 edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

4. 12 Player Online Mode

When playing online with friends on the Switch, you can have a maximum of 8 players. However, if everyone upgrades to the Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can increase that to 12 players at once! This lets more friends visit your island, but only if everyone has the Switch 2 upgrade. If even one person is still using the original Switch, the maximum number of players will remain at 8 for that session.

3. Game Chat Integration

As a huge Animal Crossing: New Horizons fan, I’m so excited about what’s coming with the Switch 2! It sounds like they’re really stepping up the multiplayer experience. Not only will more people be able to play together, but we’ll finally have real-time voice chat! And get this – your video will actually appear above your character in the game! Imagine seeing everyone’s reactions as you explore your islands together – it’s going to be amazing. Just a heads-up, you’ll need a camera for this to work, and the video chat is limited to four players at a time.

2. Megaphone

So, the Switch 2 has a built-in mic, which is awesome because it lets you use voice commands! And get this – Animal Crossing: New Horizons is adding a special Megaphone just for the Switch 2. Once you buy it from Nook’s Cranny, you can actually call your villagers by name to find them! They’ll respond when you say their name, and a little text bubble will pop up showing you exactly where they are. It’s a super quick way to track everyone down!

1. Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls

As a huge Animal Crossing fan, I’m so excited about the Switch 2! It looks like the new Joy-Cons will let you use mouse controls in certain games, and that’s a game-changer for New Horizons. Imagine being able to decorate your island with way more precision – dragging and dropping furniture will be so much easier! Plus, writing on the bulletin board and making custom designs will finally feel really natural. It’s going to make island life even more fun!

The new Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will have improved graphics and is being called the best way to experience the game. It launches on January 15th and will cost $64.99, or you can upgrade from the original game for just $4.99. A big free update (version 3.0) with new content is also coming out on January 15th for all players, whether they have the original Switch or the new Switch 2. However, the special features mentioned are only available if you upgrade to the Switch 2 console.

Will you be buying the new version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Switch 2 when it’s released? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-04 20:16