Like many others, I assumed that Nintendo had already left Animal Crossing: New Horizons behind, and that we’d have to wait another two to three years before getting a new entry on the Switch 2. As it turns out, however, that is not what’s happening. Nintendo has announced a paid Switch 2 update for the game, though Switch 1 players will be able to enjoy some new additions as well.
First, let’s talk about what the Switch 2 edition of the game actually gives you:
- Improved resolution (up to 4K in TV mode)
- Mouse control
- New megaphone item that lets you call out to residents with the Switch 2’s mic feature
- 12-player online sessions for Switch 2 Edition players
- CameraPlay: Connect a USB camera to see your friends’ reactions while playing
The Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will retail for $64.99 on Jan. 15, though players who already own the game can pay for the upgrade pack, priced at $4.99. It might be cheap, but honestly? For what we’re getting, it doesn’t seem all that worth it to me, especially when you look at the Switch 2 updates for games like Jamboree and both Zelda titles. We’re not even getting a framerate bump, so what’s left? A bunch of gimmicky things like CameraPlay?
On the other hand, though, New Horizons is also getting a free update across both platforms, which includes the following:
- Resort Hotel’s Grand Opening: Kapp’n’s family is opening a resort hotel on the pier, and you can decorate guest rooms to attract visitors. There’s also a souvenir shop with new furniture and clothing that guests can wear.
- Reset Service: Resetti can now help you tidy up your island from flowers, weeds, shrubs, and trees for a price.
- Switch Online members can design and save up to three islands to play with friends online.
- New items and characters will be unlocked through Zelda and Splatoon amiibos, and Switch Online members can also play classic Nintendo games by interacting with special in-game items.
That’s quite a bit of content to look forward to and that’s the stuff I’m most excited for. Ironically, since you don’t even have to pay for the new features, it seems to me there’s even less of a reason to shell out for the Switch 2 upgrade. But y’know, that’s just me.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is now available on the Switch. The Switch 2 Edition will be available on Jan. 15.
