‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ gets Switch 2 upgrade, free update
It’s time to resume your island vacation, and perhaps take on more virtual debt. (We see you, Tom Nook.)
Nintendo Announce on Thursday that the convenient social sim “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” will get a Switch 2 upgrade. “Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” will be released on January 15, which will offer improved visuals, mouse controls, an in-game speaker that uses the controller’s built-in microphone, and multiplayer improvements.
In addition to allowing players to experience the game in 4K resolution when playing on their TV, the updated version of “New Horizons” will enable them to take advantage of the mouse controls on the Joy-Con 2 controller when redesigning their homes, creating custom designs, and writing messages on the bulletin board.
The Speaker, which will be available in Nook’s Cranny, can be used to locate fellow villagers by calling out their names. “New Horizons” players will also be able to play online with up to 12 other players in the Switch 2 version and use a webcam.
A free update will also be available to all Animal Crossings: New Horizons players, regardless of console, on January 15. This will include access to a new resort open on the pier, which will allow players to decorate guest rooms and purchase new items from a souvenir shop. The update will also see the familiar angry mole of the “Animal Crossing” universe, Resetti, offering a “reset service” to clean up the player’s island.
Other offerings include an option for players to upgrade their home storage space to hold up to 9,000 items – including trees, shrubs and flowers – and the ability for Nintendo Switch Online members to design and save up to three islands on which they can collaborate with friends online. New Nintendo-themed merchandise, including playable classic Nintendo console games, and in-game Lego items will also be available through the update.
Released in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch console, “Animal Crossing: New Horizon” has become a balm during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering players a way to connect and socialize during quarantine and uncertain times. The fifth main installment in the “Animal Crossing” series will become one of the best-selling Switch games of all time.