Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Getting a Massive Free Update With New Islands & More

Since the announcement of the new Switch, Animal Crossing fans have been eagerly awaiting news about a new game in the series. While a full reveal hasn’t happened and remains a rumor, fans recently received some promising news – though they’ll have to wait a bit longer to see it.

Nintendo recently revealed a new version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the upcoming Switch 2, along with a free update for all players. While exciting, both the new Switch 2 edition and the free update won’t be available until January 15th, 2026. Let’s take a look at what Animal Crossing fans can anticipate in these updated versions.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition Adds Microphone Integration & More

Similar to other popular Nintendo titles, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is being updated for the Switch 2. This improved version of the game will include several enhancements, such as:

  • Improved graphics from enhanced resolution, making characters and scenery look sharper
  • Joy-Con 2 mouse control integration, giving you more control over decorating and custom designs
  • New Megaphone feature using the Switch 2 microphone, which lets you call out for specific Villagers
  • Expanded online features allowing up to 12 players in online mode (if everyone is on Switch 2)
  • Game Chat integration for Animal Crossing: New Horizons

I’m so excited for the Switch 2! I’ve been keeping up with all the news, and this latest update has a really impressive list of improvements. It’s officially launching on January 15th, 2026, which feels like a long way off, but it’ll be worth the wait. And good news for anyone like me who loves Animal Crossing: New Horizons – they’re planning an upgrade for the game! We don’t know how much it’ll cost yet, but pre-orders should be available soon.

What’s Coming in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Free Version 3.0 Update

On January 15th, 2026, all Animal Crossing: New Horizons players will receive a large, free update (Version 3.0) with new content. This update is coming whether or not you plan to upgrade to a potential Switch 2 version, and it’s a great way to enjoy the game while we wait for Nintendo to announce the next Animal Crossing title. Here’s a preview of what the update will include.

Resort Hotel

Kapp’n is opening a new hotel on the pier, and players can help manage it by decorating guest rooms to match visitors’ preferences. If you’ve played Hello Kitty: Island Adventure, this gameplay will feel similar! You’ll receive tickets as rewards, which can be spent in the hotel shop on exclusive items, clothes, and decorations. Plus, scanning certain amiibo figures will allow you to invite specific guests to stay at the hotel.

Max Storage Increase

You’ll soon be able to store a lot more items in Animal Crossing! The storage limit is increasing from 5000 to 9000, and Tom Nook will sell you the upgrades in two parts. The first upgrade will let you store up to 7000 items, and the second will bring it all the way up to 9000. Plus, you can now store plants like shrubs and flowers in your storage too!

Resetti’s Cleanup Service

As a huge fan, I’m so excited about this new feature! Now I can easily clean up specific parts of my island – maybe just the beach, or even the whole thing! It’s awesome because it puts all my decorations back into storage, so I can reuse them and change things up whenever I want. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to redesign!

Luna’s Dream World Islands

With the new Deep Slumber action, you can now enter a unique Dream World! This is your personal sleep island where you can use items from your inventory to decorate and customize the landscape. You have complete control – build bridges, create hills, and even change the time of day and weather. Share your creations by inviting island residents to visit, or meet up with friends to show off your designs. You can create up to three dream islands, giving you plenty of space to express your creativity.

New Nintendo & LEGO Collab Content

Just like in other Animal Crossing games, new collaboration items are coming to the game! This time, they’re Nintendo-themed, featuring items like a Nintendo Switch, plus retro consoles like the NES and Game Boy. Nintendo Switch Online members can even use these in-game consoles to play a classic game from each system right within Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

We’re getting new LEGO items soon, which will add even more decorating options! Plus, exciting collaborations with amiibo are coming, featuring characters from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon. You’ll even be able to invite some Legend of Zelda characters to visit your island!

While fans were hoping for news about a brand new Animal Crossing game, this update will significantly refresh New Horizons. It adds a lot of content, letting players enjoy the game for many more hours without needing to begin a new island. This should be enough to keep us entertained until the next full game is released.

Excited about the new, free Animal Crossing update? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-30 16:41