The wait is finally over. Nintendo has officially released the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition today, January 15, 2026, bringing native 4K visuals, a massive "Resort Hotel" expansion, and expanded multiplayer to the next-generation console. For veterans who have spent thousands of hours perfecting their islands on the original hardware, the most pressing question isn't just about the new features—it's about how to safely migrate that precious save data without losing a single Bell. Whether you are upgrading for the $4.99 loyalty price or buying the standalone version, this guide walks you through the transfer process and introduces you to the new luxury life waiting at the pier.
How to Transfer Your Island to Switch 2
Moving your island from the original Nintendo Switch to the Switch 2 is significantly more streamlined than previous system transfers, thanks to the new backward compatibility architecture. However, because Animal Crossing: New Horizons saves data to the console rather than the cartridge, you must follow a specific process to ensure your villagers and terraforming move with you.
Method 1: The Automatic Cloud Migration (Recommended)
If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the easiest way to move your island is via the new System Migration Assistant found in the Switch 2 setup menu. During initial setup, select "Transfer User Data" and choose your original Switch account. The system now automatically detects ACNH save data and prompts you to download the "Island Integrity Packet." Once the transfer completes, launch the Switch 2 Edition, and Tom Nook will greet you at the airport to confirm your arrival. This method preserves your island, catalog, and resident rep status automatically.
Method 2: Using the Island Transfer Tool
For players without a cloud subscription or those moving a secondary resident, the manual Island Transfer Tool has been updated to Version 2.0 on the eShop today. You must download this free app on both consoles. Open the app on your old Switch and select "Source," then open it on your Switch 2 and select "Target." The local wireless connection will move your island in about 10-15 minutes. Crucial Warning: Do not delete your user profile on the old Switch until you have verified your island is fully playable on the Switch 2.
Unlocking the Resort Hotel Expansion
Once you're settled in, the biggest draw of the Switch 2 Edition is the Resort Hotel, a new facility located at the end of your pier. This isn't just a cosmetic building; it's a fully functional gameplay loop managed by Kapp'n's family.
To trigger the unlocking event, you must have a 3-star island rating and have upgraded your Resident Services building. Isabelle will make a special announcement during her morning broadcast about a "grand business opportunity" at the dock. Head to the pier to find Kapp'n, who will introduce you to his wife, Leilani (the receptionist), and his mother, Grams (who runs the souvenir shop).
Your role is to assist Leilani by designing guest rooms based on specific themes, similar to the Happy Home Paradise DLC. Completing these designs rewards you with Hotel Tickets, a new currency used to purchase exclusive furniture and clothing from Grams.
New Features: 4K Visuals and 12-Player Multiplayer
The Switch 2 upgrade drastically changes how the game looks and plays. The native 4K resolution (in TV mode) brings out textures we never noticed before—the fuzz on snooty villagers' clothing and the individual grains of sand are now crystal clear. The frame rate has also been locked to a smooth 60fps, eliminating the slowdown that plagued detailed islands on the original hardware.
Mouse Controls and Joy-Con 2
Decorating is faster than ever with the new Joy-Con 2 pointer support. By enabling "Precision Mode" in the settings, you can use the right Joy-Con as a mouse to drag and drop furniture, select patterns, and even paint paths with a cursor. This feature is a game-changer for players who love terraforming but hated the clunky grid snapping of the past.
The "Soft" Villager Cap Increase
While the hard limit of residents living on your island remains at 10, the Resort Hotel introduces a workaround that effectively raises the villager cap in 2026. Guests who check into your hotel—up to 5 at a time—will now freely roam your island, visit shops, and interact with your permanent residents. This means you can have up to 15 animals wandering your paths simultaneously, making your island feel significantly more alive and bustling without needing to kick out your favorites.
Is the $4.99 Upgrade Worth It?
For existing owners, the $4.99 upgrade fee is arguably the best value Nintendo has offered in years. The visual fidelity upgrade alone breathes new life into your island, but the addition of the Resort Hotel and the 12-player multiplayer limit makes this feel like a sequel in all but name. If you are picking up a Switch 2 today, moving your island should be your first priority—your villagers are waiting for you in 4K.
