While a few first-party Nintendo Switch 2 games have invoked sticker shock, that won’t be the case with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Once the Switch 2 edition of the life sim releases on January 15, it’ll be the least expensive paid upgrade from Nintendo.
Existing owners of New Horizons only have to cough up $5 for the upgrade pack, while the entire Switch 2 edition retails for $65 digitally and physically.
That’s significantly lower than Nintendo’s other Switch 2 editions; upgrades for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom, along with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree cost $20.
On the lower end, Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond charge $10 for their respective Switch 2 upgrades. And of course, Nintendo offers several free non-Switch 2 Edition updates for games like Super Mario Odyssey and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Features exclusive to the Switch 2 edition of New Horizons include improved resolution that reaches 4K on TV mode, mouse controls, microphone and camera functionality, and support for 12-player online sessions.
Additionally, New Horizons is also getting a free update that adds some noteworthy features for both the Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions. The marquee experience is the resort hotel that you’ll run with Kapp’n’s family, which lets you decorate guest rooms. You’ll also be able to upgrade your home storage and design dream islands with your friends online.
Of course, you can experience those new features regardless of whether or not you buy the Switch 2 upgrade. But even if you’re still unwilling to pay $5 for the Switch 2 upgrade, you’ll see some improvements for New Horizons when the update launches.
According to Nintendo’s official website, the game will have visuals that are “optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and improved image quality” through a free update. Just be sure to be totally ready for the update by transferring your island from your original Switch to the Switch 2.
