Nintendo’s Surprise Announcement
Last week, Nintendo shocked fans by revealing that over four years after the last significant free content update, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is set to receive both a Switch 2 upgrade and a free update for all players. It’s unusual for a popular game to see such a long gap between updates, but then again, predicting Nintendo’s actions has always been a challenge.
Returning to the Game After A Long Hiatus
In 2021, Nintendo stated that the 2.0 update would be the game’s final update. Many players, including myself, gradually ceased playing, assuming that the support for New Horizons had come to an end. However, with the upcoming 3.0 update and Switch 2 Edition slated for January, we decided to revisit our islands and gauge what awaited us.
Surprising Discoveries on My Island
I expected to find a chaotic mess upon returning to my island, but to my surprise, everything appeared mostly intact. Although I hadn’t played in about 11 months, my kids had occasionally visited. While they might not tidy up in reality, they managed to keep the in-game island relatively organized. The unexpected beauty came from a flourishing field of flowers taking over the landscape. Honestly, my children’s homes were tidier than my house! — Andrew Webster
A Journey Through My Island’s Past
Visiting Isla Ashtra felt like a stroll down memory lane. After years away, parts of my island showcased my past decisions, while other areas remained puzzling relics of forgotten intentions. I found familiar spots like my pizza shop, but there were also random items scattered about, leaving me to wonder what I intended to create. Perhaps I planned a tarot shop? The answer is lost to memory. — Ash Parrish
Lost Island: A Tale of Negligence
Unfortunately, I lost my island due to mishaps while transferring data from my original Switch to the Switch 2. I made some mistakes, erasing precious islands and beloved neighbors. Ironically, I don’t feel deeply saddened—perhaps I’ll dive into crafting a new island in January’s update, one that includes a tribute to what I lost. — Cameron Faulkner
A Nostalgic Haven Amidst Chaos
My in-game home serves as a calming contrast to my cluttered real-life space, with a perfectly organized kitchen and a serene office. It stands as a timeless artifact of an earlier time when my kids were younger and life seemed more manageable. But, just like in the game, my real-world chaos is a constant presence, often requiring a deep breath to accept. — Kate Cox
Anticipation for New Beginnings
After dedicating over 1,700 hours to New Horizons and completing numerous tasks, I find my island still remains in an unfinished state. While I’ve collected almost everything, various construction elements sit incomplete. This upcoming update reignites my excitement to finally tackle my island’s unfinished business. Looking forward to a fresh start in January! — Kallie Plagge
