Nintendo has announced a revival of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, set to launch early next year alongside the new Switch 2 Edition. This update marks the first significant upgrade in four years and includes an exciting array of new content, such as a Resort Hotel on the island and a collaboration with Lego. Additionally, classic Nintendo games will be accessible for in-game play, a feature long awaited by devoted fans, but available exclusively to Switch Online subscribers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will boast several enhancements tailored for the new console, including an upgrade to 4K resolution and optional Joy-Con mouse controls for indoor decorating, custom designs, and bulletin board messages. Players will also be able to call out residents’ names using the console’s microphone with the help of a new in-game megaphone item. Furthermore, online gameplay will see an upgrade, allowing sessions of up to 12 players and introducing CameraPlay functionality.

Scheduled for release on January 15th, the Switch 2 Edition will retail for £54.99/$64.99 USD. However, current owners of the original game can upgrade for a reduced price of £4.19/$4.99. Pre-orders for both the full game and the Upgrade Pack are now available.

On the same day, a major free update will be released for all players, introducing the grand opening of a Resort Hotel located at the pier. Managed by Kapp’n’s family, this new establishment promises to enhance gameplay, resembling a more sophisticated version of the campsite. Players will assist in decorating hotel rooms to attract more visitors, with a souvenir shop slated to offer new furniture and clothing options.

In addition, home storage capacity will increase to accommodate up to 9,000 items, now including trees, shrubs, and flowers. There’s also a new Reset Service led by Resetti, which provides a convenient way to start fresh.

The Switch Online-exclusive features will enable subscribers to create and manage up to three Slumber Islands, customizing their sizes and layouts and collaborating with friends on the designs. Players will have access to their existing inventories and can invite residents from their home islands. Subscribers will also have the chance to play selected classic Nintendo titles in-game by collecting various Nintendo consoles, a feature last seen in the original Animal Crossing.

Additionally, familiar Nintendo items such as Ultra Hand will make an appearance, alongside special Lego items from the collaboration. Players with Legend of Zelda or Splatoon amiibo will be able to invite specific characters to their islands and obtain various themed items. All of this exciting content will be available on January 15th next year.