If you haven’t picked up your copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons since 2020, now might be the time. On Thursday, Nintendo announced all-new content — island residents, apparel, items, locations, and more — will hit players’ islands early next year. In the comprehensive 12-minute trailer, shared to Nintendo of America’s YouTube account, Nintendo spotlights changes sailing to consoles via both a free content update and a paid Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade. Unable to tune in from your work station? We’ve broken down all the fresh New Horizons arrivals right here, landing on both Nintendo Switch handhelds on Jan. 15, 2026. Take a look:
Nintendo Switch 2 Update
Aesthetic improvements are the first big change coming to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade. Island residents can enjoy 4K visuals (TV capabilities permitting), which Nintendo flaunted by incorporating a side-by-side shot of a custom player character. On the left, the enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 graphics; on the right, the game’s original visusals.
The gameplay changes are even more substantial. With Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, players can better re-decorate their abodes. In the promotional trailer, Nintendo says the Joy-Con 2’s mouse-like abilities allow in-game homeowners to make decort changes “in a more intuitive way.” Additionally, Joy-Con 2 mouse capabilities can also be used to craft custom bulletin board messages.
With the new Megaphone, which players can utilize by speaking into the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone, lets them locate meandering neighbors. For completionists and side-questers, this ability could mean more efficient and timely lost item returns.
While Animal Crossing: New Horizons already allowed for friends to visit players’ islands, the Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade expands upon those capabilities. If all users have the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, up to a dozen people can link up in-game using GameChat. With the compatible Nintendo Switch 2 camera, players can see their friends’ faces as they explore together.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available for Nintendo Switch 2 consoles beginning January 15, the same day as the base game’s complimentary enhancements. Nintendo Switch 2 users who already own a copy of New Horizons can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition with the Upgrade Pack. These enhanced versions come at a cost — $4.99 in this case — even if players already own the base game. Pre-orders for the paid upgrade are available starting today on the My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo Switch Free Update
Complimentary content is also coming to consoles on January 15, the same day at the Nintendo Switch 2 update. These additions, available on both Nintendo Switch handhelds, come at no additional cost.
In the game’s new Resort Hotel, found right on the water, players can help Kapp’n and his family host guests from off-island. Theme each room to suit visitors’ personal preferences with new and existing decor. Players can also explore lists of theme-adherent items to ensure the room’s up to snuff. Using all-new Hotel Tickets, Animal Crossing players can exchange accrued Tickets in Grams’ souvenir shop. Find new Hotel Ticket-exclusive items, including tropical apparel, when you visit Grams’ storefront and lend Kapp’n and his crew a helping hand. Find new furniture and clothing in the new Souvenir Shop, too, and dress up store mannequins with new custom designs.
Collaborations are coming to your island, too. Fan of fan service? The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon, and LEGO-inspired decor is coming to players’ islands, as well as special new neighbors, quirky new clothing, wallpaper, sofas, and more. Zelda fans can get Mineru and Tulin as potential residents, while Splatoon players will be thrilled to find Cece and Viche. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, players can enjoy retro Nintendo gameplay and nab new novelties. Use amiibo to welcome these new visitors and unlock special items.
In addition to fun new visitors, some quality of life improvements are on the way. A grumpy Resetti has made himself available for home renovations, offering players expanded home storage. At first, players could only stash up to 5,000 items. Post-update, gamers can enhance their storage space. With one upgrade, go from 5,000 to 7,000 storage slots. Another upgrade, and you can store up to 9,000. With this update, players can even store foliage like trees and shrubs.
You’re getting very sleepy… Oh, wait, it’s just the new Slumber Island! The sleepy new locale, available only to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, allows snoozing island residents to decorate in-dream houses, plant trees, expand bodies of water, demolish pesky cliffs, install bridges, customize weather and time of day, and much more. Each sleepy player can craft up to three Slumber Islands in varying sizes. Visit your friends and invite them to your isle, too, including your existing neighbors.
Follow Nintendo of America‘s social media accounts for details. This is a developing story, so stay tuned to Outrun Gaming for more information as its released.
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