What to expect from the January 15th update of Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Remember back in 2021 when Nintendo said Version 2.0 would be the "final" major update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Well, it turns out they had one more trick up their sleeve!
In a move that has stunned the community, a brand-new Version 3.0 update is officially dropping on January 15th, 2026. Whether you’ve been tending to your flowers every day or your island is currently overrun with weeds and disappointed villagers, there has never been a better time to fly back to your digital paradise.
What's New (for all consoles) in the January 15th Update
Everyone, regardless of console, can enjoy the exciting additions included in the core Version 3.0 update. According to Nintendo's announcements, this is the confirmed lineup.
New Resort Hotel on the pier: Operated by Kapp'n's family, the new resort hotel on the pier allows you to check in for vacations, host events, and invite villagers for a tropical feel (details on nintendo.com).
Increased home storage capacity: Boost your home's storage capacity to 9,000 items, making room for your expanding collections.
New island expansion mode “Slumber Island”: it allows you to create and modify up to three distinct islands, making it ideal for themed vacations or creative layouts.
Resetti’s cleanup service: Island redesigns are made simple when Mr. Resetti returns to demolish undesirable areas.
Classic Nintendo consoles playable in-game: With your Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can access classic NES and SNES games right on your island.
New themed items and furniture from collaborations: Splatoon, LEGO, and The Legend of Zelda drops for maximum personalization.
Gameplay & Quality of Life Improvements
These adjustments simplify your life on the island.
Bulk crafting and additional crafting upgrades: Queue multiple items at once for faster building sessions.
Storage improvements, including trees, shrubs, and flowers: Store trees, bushes, and blooms in storage - no more cluttered landscapes.
New Features on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 owners get exclusive enhancements with the new edition, leveraging the console's power.
Enhanced visuals: Higher resolution and 4K in docked mode on compatible displays for stunning island detail (nintendo.com).
Mouse-style control with Joy-Con 2 controller: Use the new Joy-Con 2 for "mouse-style" control, making it much easier to place furniture exactly where you want it.
Megaphone item using Switch 2’s microphone: You can actually use Switch 2’s microphone to call out your villagers' names to find them on the map.
Expanded online play: Up to 12 players in sessions.
CameraPlay and GameChat support: Take your multiplayer sessions to the next level with 12-player islands and "CameraPlay" for face-to-face chats while you hang out.
Will It Be Free?
The short answer is: Yes! The Version 3.0 update - including the Resort Hotel, Slumber Islands, and the storage upgrades - is completely free to download for everyone who owns the game.
An optional paid upgrade pack unlocks full Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features - like visual boosts and console-specific perks - but the base update remains free.
Is It Only for Switch 2 or Can Older Consoles Enjoy It Too?
The free Version 3.0 content hits both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 (as confirmed by CGMagazine).
Switch 2 exclusives or improvements include enhanced visuals, megaphone mic integration, 12-player online (only if all on Switch 2), and CameraPlay overlays.
Older Switches get identical new game content: hotel, Slumber Island, storage boosts, themed items, and collabs - ensuring cross-gen play.
How to Prepare for the Update
To make sure you’re ready to go the moment the update drops, here’s a quick checklist:
Save your island progress manually.
Renew your Nintendo Switch Online membership for online features and classic consoles.
Update the game automatically on January 15th via the eShop or system settings.
If you have a Switch 2, weigh the optional Edition upgrade for those extras.
Conclusion
It’s rare to see a game get a "second life" like this so long after release, but we aren't complaining! Whether you’re a veteran designer or a casual player who just misses their animal friends, January 15th is going to be a very special day.
Q: Do I need to buy anything to get the new content?
A: No, the update itself is free to all players on both consoles.
Q: Can I play with friends on the old Switch once the update is out?
A: Yes, both Switch and Switch 2 players can enjoy the new content together.
Q: What Switch 2 features won’t work on older Switch models?
A: Enhanced visuals, megaphone voice calls, and expanded 12-player online sessions are exclusive or enhanced on Switch 2.