Animal Crossing New Horizons on the Switch 2 has finally been given a release date - and Nintendo gamers have quite the wait. To lessen the blow, however, it will launch alongside the much-anticipated 3.0 update that brings a host of changes and new additions to the beloved social simulation game.

Five years on from its release on the original Switch console, Nintendo has confirmed Animal Crossing is coming to the Switch 2 on January 15, 2026. Yes, you read that right. You'll have to wait until the New Year to get your New Horizons fix.

When it released back in 2020, Animal Crossing New Horizons received heaps of critical acclaim, and remains one of the highest-rated games on the Switch with an impressive Metacritic score of 90.

As such, fans were disappointed to see it wasn't a launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2 when it hit store shelves in June, but worry no longer because it's on its way.

The Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch 2 Edition will be available through both the Nintendo eShop as a digital download, and as a physical retail copy, from 8am on January 15, 2026. It costs £54.99.

If you already own the original Nintendo Switch version, you'll have the opportunity to cut costs by purchasing the Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch 2 Upgrade Pack for just £4.19.

The Switch 2 Edition brings improved resolution, mouse controls, the return of the iconic Megaphone tool, and even 12-person multiplayer.

Graphics will look crisper than ever before, in both handheld and TV mode, with 4K potential if your television is compatible, though it remains capped at 30 frames-per-second.

The addition of mouse controls allows you to use the Joy-Con 2 to place furniture and decorate the interior of your house, as well as helping you create custom designs in the Custom Designs app on your NookPhone, and drawing messages on the bulletin board outside of the Town Hall.

The 3.0 update, which launches in tandem with the Switch 2 Edition, adds the Resort Hotel, upgraded item storage, Resetti's Reset Service, Dream World and Slumber Islands, Nintendo consoles, retro toys, playable NES and Game Boy games, on top of LEGO, Zelda and Splatoon items.

For more information, and to pre-purchase, visit the Nintendo website.