Nintendo Updates Animal Crossing: New Horizons After 3 Years

If you're a fan of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, here's something exciting: Nintendo has just rolled out the game's first major update in nearly three years! While the patch notes are somewhat modest, mentioning only improved multiplayer compatibility between the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch, it’s a noteworthy milestone since the last update was back in November 2022.

Though the specifics of what "improved compatibility" entails remain unclear, it's likely a minor adjustment to ensure seamless multiplayer experiences across both versions of the console. This update ensures that players on the new hardware can still visit each other's islands without hiccups.

While Animal Crossing: New Horizons will indeed be compatible with the Switch 2, it won’t receive a dedicated Switch 2 Edition. Unlike some other titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which have faced compatibility issues, this game should run smoothly on the updated system when it launches next week.

In the meantime, Animal Crossing: New Horizons continues to charm players worldwide. As a tranquil simulation game, it invites you to build your dream island paradise while fostering creativity and community. Praised for its depth and charm, it remains a standout title on our Top 25 Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2025 list, earning a glowing 9/10 rating. As we noted in our review, "Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an expanded, polished reboot of a beloved classic, brimming with delightful surprises."