Nintendo announces new Animal Crossing: New Horizons free update

Unexpected update includes Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades and much needed quality-of-life updates

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Nintendo has been one of the most prominent gaming companies, bringing us absolute gems such as Animal Crossing.

Over five years after the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) on Mar. 20, 2020, and almost four years after the “last major free content update” was released on Nov. 4, 2021, Nintendo announced they will be releasing a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)—shortened to ACNH (2020)—long with a free update available on both versions, which will be available Jan. 15, 2026.

For those unaware, ACNH (2020) is the fifth main installment of the Animal Crossing game franchise; you are on a deserted island, made possible by the “Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package,” and you can build up the island however you would like—the customizations are practically endless. Initially, you will be joined on your island with nonplayer characters (NPCs): Tom, Timmy, and Tommy Nook, and two random villagers with a “jock” and “sisterly” personality, respectively.

There are many more components to this game, but you can take it entirely at your own pace; you are not required to complete every task suggested by Tom Nook (or repay your debts to him, although it hinders your progress). You may fish, shake and chop trees, and catch creatures to your heart’s desire! 

With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 on Jun. 5, 2025, many games have already released “upgrade packs” to utilize features exclusive to the console. These include, but are not limited to, improved graphics, a new online multiplayer feature known as “GameShare,” audio and video chat through “GameChat,” and the magnetic “Joy-Con 2” controllers, which can be used similarly to a computer mouse. While the original Nintendo Switch is not perfect, it is cheaper than the Switch 2, which retails at approximately 450 to 500 dollars, excluding tax and depending on which version you purchase. Furthermore, to use the Switch 2 “GameChat” features, you must purchase the necessary accessories, adding roughly another 50 dollars.

Now, in more ACNH (2020) news! ACNH: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (2025) will employ features such as being able to use voice chat to locate your island’s villagers with the “in-game megaphone item,” multiplayer up to 12 other Switch 2 Edition players, “Joy-Con 2” mouse decoration controls, and enhanced resolution. Individuals who already bought ACNH (2020) before upgrading to a Switch 2 can purchase the digital “Upgrade Pack” for $4.99 once released.

Regardless of your Nintendo Switch edition, all ACNH (2020) players will be able to enjoy the free content update. This update primarily focuses on some new gameplay features: a “Resort Hotel” run by Kapp'n’s family and a “Reset Service” offered by Sonny Resetti, who in prior versions would angrily remind players to save their game whenever they forgot. Since ACNH (2020) now uses autosave, he took on a different job operating the “Rescue Service.” 

The new gameplay around the resort hotel includes decorating guest rooms to be occupied by NPCs using different themes, earning “Hotel Tickets” to exchange for items available only at Grams’ shop, and dressing up mannequins in the lobby. The hotel can be found on your island’s pier! Mr. Resetti’s reset service allows players to have him tidy areas of the island—a selected area, the beach, or the entire island—as well as clean up flowers or custom designs that can be stored in your house or thrown away. Also, your home’s storage gets an upgrade from a maximum of 5,000 items to 9,000 items, now including plants! 

These gameplay features are fun, but I think this update shines for its quality-of-life improvements. The unanticipated free update introduces the new Dream World in Slumber Island, with three new saves and more customization, changing the unfortunate characteristic single-island-per-Switch system. This was a much-needed upgrade, letting you completely reset your island whenever you want to change the theme, though it does require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

My biggest excitement, however, comes from something not explicitly mentioned in the update: the ability to craft multiple items at once. Every time I am reminded of ACNH (2020) on my Switch and I go through my two-week obsession phase, I dread having to craft each item individually. Although this seems like such a minute detail, having to go through dialogue each time you craft a single item takes more time than I would like. As an article in Game Rant describes, users who want to catch all 80 different fish and fill up their in-game museum end up crafting a surprising amount of fish bait, which must be done individually. Therefore, being able to craft in bulk will be a significant game-changer. 

Some players may find themselves underwhelmed, as part of the new resort hotel gameplay resembles the “Happy Home Paradise” Downloadable Content (DLC), released on Nov. 5, 2021, which players needed to purchase to enjoy. On the other hand, those who did not buy the DLC can enjoy a free version that is relatively similar. 

Overall, quality-of-life updates for ACNH (2020) are long overdue, and making these available to all players is unexpected, given the release of the Switch 2 and many games being exclusive to the new console. Regardless of the new gameplay features, I will happily enjoy being able to craft more than once at the same time, even if it took over five years to get here.