Fans (or enemies) of Tom Nook, we’re eating good now. Just a short while ago, the Nintendo UK YouTube account dropped this new announcement trailer for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
This trailer provides some context on two separate areas for this most recent Animal Crossing title. First, we’re getting all the details around the Switch 2 Edition of New Horizons. Following that, we’re getting all the details for the free 3.0 Update, which will come into effect for both the Switch and Switch 2 versions of the game. Let’s dive into what we got today!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition Details
First and foremost, the graphical quality of the game has been boosted. This should come as a surprise to no one, given the capabilities of this recent Nintendo platform. And yes, we do have some images below that show that visual boost.
The JoyCon 2 controller can now also be used as a mouse, which I’m certain will be of great use to the interior designers of the ACNH world. It will also be available for use in the Custom Designs area of the game, as well as posts for your Island’s Bulletin Board.
We also have a new item – the Megaphone! Using the built-in microphone of the Switch 2, you’ll now have the ability to call your Islanders to find them! Seriously, the number of hours I have spent looking for certain Villagers. Now, it won’t function as a summoning beacon, but it will at least give you a sense of where they might be on your Island! My one curiosity though: how will this function if the Villager is in their home, Nook’s Cranny, etc.?
The Switch 2 version of ACNH will also allow for upwards of 12 friends to come visit your island, complete with the option to use the console’s voice chat feature. Not only that, there will also be integration of the Switch 2 camera hook-up to show other friend’s faces over their own character!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be coming to the Switch 2 on January 15th, 2026. Players who already own ACNH for the original Switch will be able to purchase an upgrade pack for the Switch 2 edition of the game.
Now…about that FREE 3.0 update!
Version 3.0 Update
Well, right away, we’ve been given the expected launch of the 3.0 Update – January 15th, 2026.
You and the Kapp’n (and His Family) gonna make it happen!
A resort hotel, run by Kapp’n and his family! Seriously, look how cute this little resort is!
As part of this new area on your island, you’ll be able to help Kapp’n and his family build up the hotel, complete with room designs and decorating. For those who played the Happy Home Paradise DLC, you’re getting more of this content! Plus, each room will have it’s own “theme” to follow along with, complete with matching furniture and decor. Along with this will be the option to custom design outfits for guests to rent. Tom Nook will also be providing some more DIY Activities for Hotel Tickets and deliveries.
The more you help, the more Hotel Tickets you’ll earn. This new currency can be used to purchase items at the Hotel Souvenir Shop.
More Storage
Your home storage will not cap out at 9000 items (for Dragonball Z fans, yes, there’s a joke there). Along with this massive expansion of storage, you will now be able to warehouse plants and trees within your home as well!
He’s Baaaaacccckkkkkkk
Animal Crossing fans who have been around for a while know this familiar face. Resetti has returned!
Unlike older Animal Crossing where Resetti would chew you out for Time Travelling, he now offers a unique feature: the Reset Service. Want to clean-up a specific area of your island? He’ll lend a hand! Very, very helpful for those who always are adjusting their Island’s design.
A Whole New World…with Luna
Dreaming will now have even more! In Luna’s World, you now have the option to build a Dream Island!. What does that mean? Build a whole new island in the dreamscape (with the help of faithful Loid). It will also allow for adjusting the day, time, weather, as well as the inclusion of some of your beloved Islanders. Each user will also have the option to create three separate “Slumber Islands”.
But that’s not all. Multiplayer options are now available on the Slumber Islands. Complete with: cooperate designing. You and your friends can now build your own Islands…together!
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen!
We’ll also be getting some new collaboration items for designing your island, like old Nintendo products and consoles. These can be purchased with Hotel Tickets.
But you didn’t think these old consoles were just for design, did you? Nope! They will allow you to actually play a selection of old Nintendo games. This feature, however, will only be available to those with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Along with old Nintendo products, LEGO is also making an appearance in the Animal Crossing universe, as well as a Legend of Zelda X amiibo collaboration.
Seriously, there’s even more: Nintendo characters that will be able to live on your island, from both The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon. Splatoon will also have it’s own unique designs and items available to players.
*pant pant* OK! That’s all of it! Between you and I, I think it might be time to blow the dust off my copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons towards the end of the year. What do you think?
If we get any further news around this announcement, be sure to come back to Gamer Social Club for all the juicy details!
