Why I WON’T be playing the new Animal Crossing 3.0 Update in 2026
If you read that title and thought “wait, there’s an Animal Crossing update!?” you’re not alone. Nintendo surprised me too this week by casually dropping the news on their website.
On 15 January 2026, Nintendo will launch two major updates: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and Animal Crossing 3.0 free version update for all players. But, I won’t be playing it.
Before I get into why, let’s take a closer look at everything included in the new update for 2026:
Animal Crossing 3.0 Free Update (for both Switch & Switch 2)
Just when I thought Animal Crossing was dead, Nintendo goes and drops all these new features on us:
Resort Hotel
The family of Kapp’n opens a resort on the pier. You’ll get to design hotel rooms, invite guests (including via amiibo), earn a new currency (Hotel Tickets) to spend on special items.
Slumber Island
A new sandbox mode-ish set-up where you can build up to three islands, pick time of day, weather, invite friends, etc. Note: the “save/design three islands” feature appears to require a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.
Reset Service
Yep, the much-missed Sonny Resetti is back. Offering a “reset service” to clean up island clutter–flowers, plants, weeds–without manual labour.
Expanded Home Storage
Max out your home storage again with 4000 extra slots to fill. Now you can have up to 9,000 items (yes, nine-thousand)! That includes trees, shrubs, and flowers. If you’ve hoarded since 2020, this is your time to shine.
New Collaborations & Items
Expect themed items from franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon, plus LEGO-style furniture, retro Nintendo consoles in-game (for those with the online service) and new villagers tied to the collabs.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
The update bundles many smaller tweaks (bulk crafting, better storage, more creative flexibility).
What’s Exclusive to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition
If you own a Nintendo Switch 2 you’ll benefit from a few extra perks. These require both the hardware and purchase of the Switch 2 edition or an upgrade pack mind you, which will cost $4.99 ($64.99 if you plan on buying the game for the first time). The perks:
4K Resolution in TV Mode
For the first time, your island will in theory run at 4K when docked. The framerate remains capped around 30fps.
Mouse‐Style Controls via Joy-Con 2
Use pointer/mouse mode to decorate interiors, craft designs, write on bulletin boards and more. If you love decorating, this will make your life so much easier.
Megaphone Item Using System Microphone
A new tool you buy in-game (at Nook’s Cranny) that uses the console’s mic to call villagers by name and help locate them. Do we really need this?
Expanded Online Multiplayer: Up to 12 players
Regular Switch allowed up to 8 (but always crashed on me at max capacity); the Switch 2 version pushes that to 12 concurrent players and adds the camera/voice chat integration.
Play with friends via CameraPlay
Connect a compatible USB camera (sold separately) and see their reactions in-game while exploring your island together.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons launches Jan 15, 2026.
Watch the trailer
Does this update come too late?
It’s been nearly six years since Animal Crossing: New Horizons released, and while I played it obsessively for the first two, I’ve barely touched it since. The truth is, I don’t want another update, I want a new game.
Think about it. There was an eight-year gap between New Leaf (2012/2013) and New Horizons (2020). During that time, we got spin-offs like Happy Home Designer and Pocket Camp, but nothing since the release of New Horizons. The franchise has expanded through major DLCs like Happy Home Paradise, and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (originally released in 2017) was replaced by a paid version, but no new releases. If Nintendo sticks to that same pattern, 2027 feels about right for whatever comes next.
And honestly? It’s time. We’ve maxed out what New Horizons can offer. We’ve decorated every inch of our islands, restarted a few too many times, and hoarded enough Nook Miles to fund an entire economy. A small update now just feels like a bandage on a game that’s already run its course.I’m ready to fall in love with Animal Crossing all over again, I just need a fresh world to do it in. Wouldn’t you agree?
- Why I WON’T be playing the new Animal Crossing 3.0 Update in 2026 - November 1, 2025
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Animal Crossing is my all favorite game and I will appreciate the new update and I will keep playing it. I have three ACNH games on three consoles, so nothing but good has come out of this update and I still have hope that a new game will be coming out. Maybe Animal Crossing Big Town.