Nintendo releases major upgrade for ‘Animal Crossing’

WASHINGTON — Nintendo has released a major update for the widely popular “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” game for its Switch and Switch 2 systems. 

According to Nintendo, the update is free for anyone who has the game, but there is also a paid upgrade available for anyone who uses a Nintendo Switch 2 system.

“We have a brand new update for ‘Animal Crossing’ on Nintendo Switch, and we have a special Nintendo Switch 2 edition,” Bill Trinen, vice president of player and product experience with Nintendo of America, told CNN. “So anybody that’s played the game on Nintendo Switch or still has the game for Nintendo Switch, there’s a whole lot of new content for them.”

The free update includes a new hotel on the dock with themed rooms for guests, as well as several enhancements and conveniences, such as upgrades to home storage.

The update also allows players to experiment with “wild island ideas” without changing your main island. Up to three Slumber Islands can be created.

“On these dreamy islands, you can let your imagination run free — terraform, build, and decorate with items you’ve previously obtained,” Nintendo said in a news release.

According to Nintendo, the game may automatically update, but users can check by highlighting the game icon from the HOME Menu, pressing the plus button, then select “Software Update.” 

The paid update for Nintendo Switch 2 offers enhanced resolution, mouse control support, a megaphone for calling your animal, and other enhancements, according to the company. The upgrade pack costs $4.99. 

“Animal Crossing” was first released in March 2020. As of September 2025, Nintendo reports sales of the original game exceeded 48.6 million units.