The physical version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 is now available for pre-order

One of the iconic games of the Nintendo Switch era, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” will launch a Switch 2 version on January 15, 2026 with upgraded performance and new content. So far, Switch 2 upgrades for first-party games have retailed for $10-$20, but New Horizons' upgrade is only $5. Nintendo also released a new physical version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch 2. As with all first-party games, the full game files are stored on the Switch 2 card. You can pre-order New Horizons 2 for Nintendo Switch for $65 Amazon, best buy, Walmartand game station.

$65 | Published January 15, 2026

The Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons features enhanced resolution and faster loading times. The game will also take advantage of the Switch 2 hardware, as it supports mouse control via a suitable Joy-Con, helping you express your creativity more fluidly, and you'll also be able to interact with other islanders using CameraPlay and GameChat. Another new feature is a loudspeaker, using the Switch 2 microphone you can call nearby residents and have them respond in kind to you.

Online support has also been expanded from 8 to 12 players, and a free update will add resort hotels, sleeping islands, and even LEGO furniture to the game. Players can also visit the resort hotel run by Capone and his family, and by helping out, you can get retro Nintendo hardware and toys to decorate your home. Just like in the GameCube iteration of Animal Crossing: New Horizons , you'll be able to Play retro games in villagers' homes—if you have one Nintendo Switch Online Membership. Nintendo has confirmed support for Game Boy, NES and SNES Switch Online games.

$53.90 (Reg. $60) | Upgrade to Switch 2 version for just $5

As with all first-party Switch games with Nintendo Switch 2 versions, owners of the original physical or digital version of New Horizons can upgrade to Switch 2 for a fee on the eShop. You can buy the physical version on Amazon for $54, and then purchase a $5 upgrade. Currently, this method saves you about $6, but your game cartridge won't match your other Switch 2 games.

$55

It's worth noting that the official Animal Crossing: New Horizons strategy guide is still in print. Published by Future Press in June 2023, this 688-page hardcover guide is the most comprehensive resource for Nintendo's idyllic island life simulation. While it naturally doesn't include new content from the upcoming 3.0 update, it does cover everything in the game at this point, including the Happy Home expansion. Just make sure you buy Official complete guide, Not the original Companion Guide Starting in 2020. The new guide contains approximately 250 pages of the latest information and updates.

Featuring high-quality pages and vivid images, this book will help you make the most of your island vacation with tips, explanations, and fun diagrams. It also makes a great collectible and display piece for die-hard Animal Crossing fans.

Nintendo Switch 2 owners looking to play games this holiday season can check out a number of exciting recent and upcoming Nintendo exclusive games. Hyrule Warriors: Age of CaptivityThe latest Dynasty Warriors x The Legend of Zelda hack-and-slash game will be released exclusively on Switch 2 on November 6. November 20, Kirby Sky Knight and physical version Hades II— Limited time Switch 2 console exclusive — Arrives in store. December's big game is a long-awaited one “Metroid 4: Beyond”which is available for both change and switch 2.

Switch and Switch 2 owners should also check out Nintendo's two major October releases, Pokemon Legends: ZA and Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2.

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