Surprise! Nintendo just dropped the first update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in nearly three years.
While not a game-changing update — the patch notes simply mention "improved compatibility for multiplayer sessions between Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch" from May 27th — this marks the first backend refresh for the beloved life sim since November 2022.
The exact meaning of "improved compatibility" remains unclear, though it likely involves minor adjustments to ensure seamless island visits between Switch and Switch 2 players.
While Animal Crossing: New Horizons will run on Switch 2, it won't receive a dedicated Switch 2 Edition like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Still, players picking up the new console next week should enjoy full compatibility, unlike some titles experiencing technical issues.
The game transports you to a tranquil deserted island where you can craft your personal paradise, shaping every aspect from landscape design to community life. It continues to earn praise, currently holding a spot on our Top 25 Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2025 list. Our original review awarded it a perfect 9, praising it as: "An expansive, refined next-gen reimagining of Nintendo's classic that constantly delights with unexpected moments."
