Nintendo has confirmed a significant visual and technical overhaul 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. This marks the first major enhancement for the title since its original launch nearly six years ago, promising to better utilise the capabilities of the newer console hardware.
What's New in the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack?
The core of the update focuses on improving the player experience with several key enhancements. The most immediately noticeable change is a substantial resolution boost. While the original version runs at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked, the upgraded game will now support 1080p handheld and 4K docked resolutions on the Switch 2. This will deliver a much sharper and cleaner visual presentation for island life.
However, one aspect that remains unchanged is the frame rate. Due to the game's internal logic being tied to its refresh rate, New Horizons will continue to run at a locked 30 frames per second, even on the more powerful hardware. So, while it will look crisper, it won't feel any smoother in motion.
Enhanced Controls and Social Features
Beyond pure graphics, Nintendo is introducing new ways to interact with your virtual paradise. For players who spend hours perfecting their home interiors, the update adds mouse support via the new Joy-Con controllers. This allows for click-and-drag item placement, offering far greater precision than traditional stick controls.
A novel addition is the in-game Megaphone item, which leverages the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Players can speak a villager's name aloud, and the game will summon that character to your location, ending the frustration of searching every corner of your island.
The most substantial upgrade for community-focused players is in the online multiplayer. 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 avatar, adding a more personal touch to online gatherings.
Should You Pay to Upgrade Your Island?
The value of the £4.19 upgrade largely hinges on your playstyle. For casual players who dip into the game infrequently and primarily play solo, the existing version—which remains fully playable on Switch 2—may suffice. Much of the concurrent new content arriving on January 15 will be free for all owners.
Conversely, for dedicated fans who consider New Horizons a primary game, the enhancements present a compelling case. The resolution bump makes a significant difference on modern displays, and the expanded online capabilities could transform how friend groups play together. If you are purchasing the game for the first time, opting for the Switch 2 version from the outset is recommended to fully benefit from your console.
Ultimately, the decision is a personal one. Considering the relatively modest upgrade fee—notably cheaper than similar packs for major Zelda titles—it represents a low-risk investment for serious island representatives. Assess how much time you currently spend on your island and whether the new features would meaningfully enhance that experience.
