Nintendo updates Animal Crossing after 3 years

Big news! Nintendo has quietly dropped Animal Crossing: New Horizons' first update in nearly three years.

Don't get too excited though — the patch notes simply mention that May 27's update "enhanced multiplayer connectivity between Nintendo Switch 2 and original Switch consoles." While minor, this marks the game's first backend adjustment since its final content update in November 2022.

The specifics of these "connectivity improvements" remain unclear, but it likely ensures seamless island visits between players on both console generations when the Switch 2 launches.

While Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be playable on Switch 2, it won't receive the special Switch 2 Edition treatment given to titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Still, it should run smoothly for new console owners — unlike several games reportedly facing compatibility issues.

The charming life sim transports players to a desert island where they can craft their personal paradise through exploration and creativity. It remains a fan favorite, currently featured on our Top 25 Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2025 list. Our review awarded it a 9/10, praising it as "a lovingly crafted, next-gen revival of Nintendo's beloved franchise that constantly delights with new discoveries."