Nintendo's Free Switch 2 Update Will Change How ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Looks
Arguably, the most iconic video game brand of all time, Nintendo has many loyal fans who follow news about the company that focuses on things like when new Switch 2 games will be released. Similarly, Animal Crossing has managed to become a wildly successful video game franchise since it launched.
Given the mammoth appeal of both brands, it was a big deal when Animal Crossing: New Horizons came to the Switch 2. As it turns out, fans who've enjoyed playing that game on the Switch 2 have something to be excited about because a new free update is poised to upgrade their experience.
Nintendo Will Soon Release a Free Switch 2 Visual Update for 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons'
Anyone who follows the video game industry will almost certainly be aware of the high costs associated with it for fans. That is why there can be a lot of interest from fans who learn that they can buy cheap Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games today. Many of those same fans may want to know that a notable Switch 2 game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, is about to get a free visual upgrade.
On Nintendo's website, there is a page that lists all of the upcoming free updates that will be released for Switch 2 games. At the time of this article's publication, the page states that Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Switch 2 will receive a free update on January 15, 2026. This is how that free update is described. "Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and improved image quality."
In addition to launching the free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Switch 2, Nintendo is also poised to release a new version of the game on the console. As a different page on Nintendo's website shows, the company will be releasing Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on the same date, January 15th, 2026. It is important to note that it is a completely new edition of the game, and its features won't be included in the free upgrade described above.
Nintendo released a video revealing what fans can expect from their upcoming Animal Crossing: New Horizons free update and from Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Nintendo Will Be Providing Free Updates To Several More Switch 2 Games
The aforementioned page about free Switch 2 updates on Nintendo's website also states that games will be upgraded in the coming months. Information about which games will get updates and on what day is listed below. It should be noted that the information listed below is subject to change.
- ARMS (June 5th, 2025)
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain (June 5th, 2025)
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (June 5th, 2025)
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (June 5th, 2025) •
- Game Builder Garage (June 5th, 2025)
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (June 5th, 2025)
- Pokémon Scarlet (June 5th, 2025)
- Pokémon Violet (June 5th, 2025)
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (June 5th, 2025)
- Super Mario Odyssey (June, 5th 2025)
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (June 5th, 2025)
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (June 5th, 2025)
- Splatoon 3 (June 12th, 2025)
- Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 (October 2nd, 2025)