"Nintendo Updates Animal Crossing: New Horizons After 3 Years"

Nintendo has just delivered a delightful surprise for fans of Animal Crossing: New Horizons with its first major update in nearly three years. While the patch notes are somewhat understated—simply stating that the May 27 update enhances "multiplayer compatibility between Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch"—this marks the first significant backend adjustment since November 2022.

Exactly what "improved compatibility" entails remains unclear, but it's likely a subtle adjustment to ensure seamless visits between islands when players on the updated hardware join their friends' worlds. This change could mean fewer hiccups for those hopping into the serene world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Despite not receiving a dedicated Switch 2 Edition, the game promises to remain fully functional on the upcoming hardware. Unlike other titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which have encountered compatibility issues, Animal Crossing: New Horizons seems poised to adapt smoothly to the new platform.

This beloved life simulation game invites players to transform a deserted island into their personal utopia, offering endless opportunities for exploration, creation, and customization. Praised for its charm and innovation, it continues to hold a cherished spot on our Top 25 Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2025 list, earning a well-deserved 9 in our review. As noted, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is described as "an expanded, polished, next-generation reboot of a classic Nintendo game that's full of surprises."