By Staff Writer: Kayla Kocher
When “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” launched in March 2020, it became the game of the pandemic as players built dream islands and held virtual events from home. Five years later, the hype has cooled, but Nintendo’s new update could spark a return.
Launching Jan. 15 alongside a Switch 2 edition, the free update adds a resort hotel run by Kapp’n’s family, a Reset Service with Resetti, and expanded home storage up to 9,000 items. Players can collaborate with friends through a new Slumber Island mode and collect crossover items, including LEGO and “Zelda” themed decor.
The game has sold more than 48 million copies worldwide, and while daily play slowed as lockdowns ended, its community remains active. The new content aims to bring lapsed players back while giving newcomers fresh reasons to start.
For many, island life still offers the same quiet appeal it did in 2020: routine, creativity and a friendly neighbor at the end of a path.