Nintendo announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of "Assemble! Animal Crossing: New Horizons" will be officially released on January 15, 2026. On the same day, all existing players on the Switch and Switch2 platforms can receive a free large-scale update, adding rich content such as resort hotels and island co-construction.
The Switch2 version will be fully enhanced based on the original version. The game screen will support higher resolutions, and new support for Joy-Con2 mouse control will be added to facilitate players to more accurately carry out interior decoration, custom design and bulletin board messages. In addition, the game will introduce a new prop "megaphone", which allows players to call the island residents directly through the host's built-in microphone.
The online experience will also be greatly expanded. If all participating players have the Switch2 version, the upper limit of online connections will be increased to 12 people, and voice chat will be supported; local wireless connection will support up to 8 people. By connecting a compatible USB camera such as the Nintendo Switch2 camera, up to four players can see each other's reactions in real time through the CameraPlay function in the game.
For players who already own the original Switch game, the upgrade package can be purchased separately to obtain all the enhanced content of the Switch 2 version.
A free update released for all platforms on the same day will bring a series of new ways to play. Players can travel to Hang Ping's family-run resort hotel, design themed rooms, outfit guests, create and deliver handmade island merchandise, and earn coupons that can be exchanged for limited collectibles at the gift shop. Nintendo Online members can also invite friends to enter the "Dream Island" - a themed dream space that can be created by multiple people. The update also adds "Mr. Reset's Organization Service" to help players organize their islands quickly and easily.
This update will also include a number of linkage contents. Players can collect in-game retro Nintendo consoles to decorate their homes, and online members can directly play selected classic Nintendo games when interacting with specific console props. Lego series items will appear for the first time, and players can also scan specific amiibo from the "Legend of Zelda" and "Sprawl" series to invite linked characters to the island and unlock themed items.