Animal Crossing is a beloved Nintendo franchise that explores the themes of creativity and expanding your island into your own personal wonderland.

When “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” Released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, the game had a major impact on the world, as during the COVID-19 pandemic, many took to the game in order to escape, allowing many across the world to stay mentally healthy during quarantine. 

Now, on Jan. 15, 2026, Nintendo has brought a major update to the game available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 with a large graphical change and brand new content. According to ScreenRant, there will be new content involving the character Kapp’n, as well as some collaboration items being added to lighten up your island. The Switch 2 version shows improvements to the graphics that allow the game to run smoothly and have faster loading times. Additionally, the Switch 2 version allows up to 12 players on an island, unlike the original version that allows only eight. This version also has a new item, the megaphone, which allows you to call out any villager on your island.

The Switch 2 exclusive content for ACNH on its own will cost $4.99. This means that the full game on the Switch 2 will be slightly more expensive than the original version, now priced at $64.99.

If you don’t have a Switch 2, there’s no need to worry because Nintendo has brought a 3.0 update to the original version as well. This update includes the Kapp’n Hotel, a new feature that allows you to bring in villagers to the hotel and customize rooms to earn tickets, which can be exchanged for exclusive merchandise. 

According to Screen Rant, crossover merchandise will also be added from other Nintendo Franchises like “Splatoon” and “The Legend of Zelda”. Some new villagers based on characters like Shiver or Tulin will also be added by using Amiibo scan. Reportedly, LEGO will also be included in the  collaboration, with LEGO themed furniture items available to customize houses.

This update is sure to bring fun to and allow players to bring even more creativity into their island. All of the collaborations and new content are sure to make players’ islands more lively, whether you want to build, craft, or just have fun customizing your house.