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Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 and Switch 2 Edition Launch Jan. 15 With Unlock Times Still Unset

A tiny preloadable upgrade pack on the eShop, coupled with no full-edition preload, raises the chance of brief regional mismatches.

Overview

  • Nintendo has confirmed the Jan. 15 release for the free 3.0 update and the paid Switch 2 Edition, but it has not announced exact regional unlock times.
  • Outlets are estimating a rollout aligned to the series’ usual 10 a.m. JST schedule, which would put availability on Jan. 14 in North America’s evening hours.
  • The 3.0 update adds a hotel run by Kapp’n’s family, customizable Slumber Islands for collaborative decorating, and crossover items from series such as The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon.
  • Switch 2 Edition features include mouse mode for decorating and custom designs, a megaphone that locates villagers via voice, expanded multiplayer for up to 12 players, and GameChat support.
  • The eShop lists a 10.8 GB Switch 2 Edition and a 3 MB upgrade pack that can be preordered and preloaded, and third-party reporting notes the upgrade could appear before 3.0 in some regions.