Nintendo has confirmed a significant next-generation update for one of its most beloved life-simulation games. Animal Crossing: New Horizons will receive a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack on January 15, 2026, priced at £4.19 for existing owners.
What Does the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack Include?
The update, announced for early 2026, aims to leverage the enhanced hardware of the newer console. While the game is currently playable on Switch 2 via backwards compatibility, this paid upgrade introduces several platform-specific improvements designed to refresh the six-year-old title.
The most visually striking change is a substantial resolution boost. On the original Switch, the game runs at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked. The Switch 2 version upgrades this to 1080p in handheld and 4K resolution when docked, making the charming island visuals significantly sharper. However, the frame rate will remain locked at 30fps due to the game's core logic being tied to it.
New Features and Enhanced Social Play
Beyond pure visual fidelity, Nintendo is integrating new ways to play. A notable addition is mouse support, utilising the controls built into the new Joy-Cons. This feature promises much greater precision for players who enjoy detailed interior decorating and item placement.
The console's built-in microphone also gets a clever application with the introduction of a new Megaphone item. Players can verbally call out a villager's name in real life, and the game will direct that character to your location, saving time spent searching your island.
Perhaps the most impactful upgrade is to the online multiplayer experience. The previous limit of eight visitors per island has been increased, allowing players to host up to 11 friends simultaneously for a total of 12 players. Furthermore, those with a compatible camera can enable a picture-in-picture display of their live feed above their in-game avatar, adding a more personal touch to online gatherings.
Is the Animal Crossing Switch 2 Upgrade Worth the Money?
The value of the £4.19 upgrade fee ultimately hinges on how deeply you engage with the game. For casual players who visit their island infrequently and primarily play solo, the enhancements may not provide enough justification. It's worth noting that some accompanying content updates will be free for all existing owners.
However, for dedicated fans and social players, the package presents a compelling refresh. The resolution bump makes long play sessions easier on the eyes, while the expanded online capacity could be a game-changer for large friend groups. The added convenience of mouse controls and the megaphone are quality-of-life improvements that seasoned players will appreciate.
If you are a new player without a copy of the game, purchasing the native Switch 2 version from the outset is recommended to fully benefit from your console. The upgrade cost is also notably lower than similar next-gen packs released for other major Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
In summary, this upgrade is a targeted enhancement for the game's most active community. Your decision should be based on your current playtime and whether you will utilise the new social and creative tools. For many in the UK's devoted Animal Crossing community, this affordable update will be a welcome reason to revisit their virtual paradise.
