{"id":135617,"date":"2026-01-11T03:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T03:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/#article-196069"},"modified":"2026-01-11T03:25:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T03:25:00","slug":"icymi-animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-gets-a-free-switch-2-update-next-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2026\/01\/11\/icymi-animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch-gets-a-free-switch-2-update-next-week\/","title":{"rendered":"ICYMI: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch Gets A Free Switch 2 Update Next Week"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Animal<\/a>
<\/span> Image: Nintendo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Animal Crossing: New Horizons<\/a> is getting a free 3.0 update<\/a> alongside the paid Switch 2 Edition<\/a> of the game next week. In case you missed it, there’ll also be some additional free enhancements for Switch players who revisit the game on the Switch 2 but don’t purchase the upgrade.<\/p>\n

This is now highlighted on Nintendo’s “free updates” page<\/a> for existing Switch games. It notes how the original Switch version of New Horizons will get a visual update – optimising visuals on the “Switch 2 display” and improving the image quality:<\/p>\n

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Update (15th January, 2026)<\/h3>\n
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Free updates for select Nintendo Switch games<\/strong><\/p>\n

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Updates included:<\/strong><\/p>\n

– Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and improved image quality.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Animal<\/a>
<\/span> Image: Nintendo Life \/ Nintendo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Again, this will arrive alongside the free 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Switch and Switch 2, which includes new features such as the Resort Hotel, Expanded Home Storage, the return of Resetti, collaborations and more.<\/p>\n

As for the paid Switch 2 Edition (priced at \u00a354.99 \/ $64.99<\/strong>) and upgrade (available for \u00a34.19 \/ $4.99<\/strong>), users can expect improved graphics and resolution (4K), mouse controls, a megaphone for voice communication, and the ability to play with more friends. You can find out more about all of this in our guide:<\/p>\n

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