In a surprise announcement that has the Animal Crossing community buzzing, Nintendo revealed that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will receive a massive Update 3.0 alongside a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on January 15, 2026—nearly six years after the game's original release.
What's New in Update 3.0
This free update brings substantial new content to the beloved island life simulator. Players can expect new villagers to invite to their islands, expanded dream island functionality, and the exciting addition of a hotel building feature that adds new gameplay possibilities.
The update represents Nintendo's continued commitment to supporting one of their most successful titles, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. The timing of this major content drop alongside the Switch 2 launch shows that Animal Crossing remains a flagship franchise for Nintendo.
Switch 2 Edition Enhancements
While the free update will be available to all players, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition promises enhanced performance and visual improvements on the new hardware. Players who own the original game will be able to upgrade to the Switch 2 version and retain all their island progress and customization.
Community Reactions
The Animal Crossing community has expressed overwhelming excitement about this unexpected announcement. Many players who had moved on from their islands are planning to return, while the new content is expected to breathe fresh life into active players' experiences.
Finding Your Island Squad
Whether you're a returning player or jumping in for the first time on Switch 2, finding the right friends to visit islands with makes the experience even better. GamerPlug can help you connect with Animal Crossing players who share your playstyle—whether you're into decorating, fishing, turnip trading, or just hanging out on tropical islands.
The January 15 release date makes this the perfect time to get back into island life. With new features, new villagers, and a fresh wave of players joining on Switch 2, there's never been a better time to build your dream island community.