The wait is finally over. With the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition yesterday, January 15, players are rushing back to their digital paradises to experience island life in stunning fidelity. Nintendo’s latest console upgrade breathes new life into the beloved simulator, offering features fans have requested for years—including crisp Animal Crossing New Horizons 4K visuals and expanded multiplayer options. Whether you’re upgrading for the modest $4.99 fee or buying the standalone version, the first hurdle is getting your beloved island safely to its new home.

How to Transfer Animal Crossing Island to Switch 2

Unlike most games that utilize cloud saves, moving your island requires a specific process to ensure no resident is left behind. The new Switch 2 Island Transfer Tool simplifies this, but precision is key. You will need both your original Switch and your new Switch 2 console handy, along with a stable internet connection.

Follow these steps to transfer your save data securely:

  • Step 1: Download the free "Island Transfer Tool" from the Nintendo eShop on both consoles. Ensure your copy of New Horizons is updated to version 3.0.0 or higher on both systems.
  • Step 2: Open the Transfer Tool on both devices. On your original Switch, select "Source." On your new Switch 2, select "Target."
  • Step 3: The Source console will search for the Target. When your new console's name appears, confirm the connection.
  • Step 4: Once paired, select "Transfer Data" on the Source system. The process typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on your island's size.

Warning: Do not turn off either console during this process. Once the transfer is complete, your island will be wiped from the old system and ready to explore in 4K on the Switch 2.

Unlock 4K Visuals and 12-Player Multiplayer

The technical leap is immediately noticeable. In TV mode, the Animal Crossing Switch 2 guide visuals run at a native 4K resolution, making textures like the fuzz on your villagers' fur or the grain on wooden furniture pop like never before. Frame rates are locked, providing a buttery-smooth experience even in densely decorated areas that previously caused slowdowns.

For social butterflies, the update is a game-changer. The new hardware capabilities support Animal Crossing 12 player multiplayer sessions, up from the previous limit of eight. This means you can host larger cataloging parties, fishing tourneys, or hide-and-seek games without connection bottlenecks. The increased limit applies only when all participants are playing on Switch 2 hardware.

Mastering Animal Crossing Joy-Con Mouse Controls

One of the most surprising additions is the native support for Animal Crossing Joy-Con mouse controls. Utilizing the advanced optical sensor in the right Joy-Con 2, players can now navigate menus and decorate interiors with the precision of a PC mouse.

To enable this, enter "Decorating Mode" inside your home and place the right Joy-Con on a flat surface. A cursor will appear on-screen, allowing you to drag and drop furniture with pinpoint accuracy. This feature drastically reduces the time it takes to redecorate rooms or design custom patterns, offering a level of control that analog sticks simply cannot match. It also integrates with the new Bulletin Board interface, making it easier to draw detailed messages for visitors.

Switch 2 Upgrade Price and Free Content

Nintendo has been generous with the pricing model. If you already own the digital version of the game, the Animal Crossing Switch 2 upgrade price is just $4.99. For physical copy owners, the upgrade is available as paid DLC. Newcomers can purchase the full "Switch 2 Edition" for $64.99, which includes the base game and all previous DLC.

The Free 3.0 Update

Even if you haven't upgraded your console yet, the simultaneous release of the free Version 3.0 update adds massive value. Highlights include the new Resort Hotel managed by Kapp'n's family, where you can design guest rooms, and the "Slumber Islands" feature, which lets you save up to three different Dream Address layouts. However, the 4K fidelity and 12-player lobbies remain exclusive perks for Switch 2 adopters.