Surprise! Nintendo has officially rolled out the first update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in nearly three years. While it may not be a feature-packed update, this latest patch brings some important improvements to the beloved life-simulation game.

According to the patch notes, the May 27 update focuses on enhancing "compatibility for multiplayer sessions between Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch." This marks the first backend refresh since November 2022, making it a small yet significant step forward for the long-dormant title.

As for what “improved compatibility” entails, the details are limited. However, it's likely a minor adjustment to ensure seamless online interactions between players using different console models. In other words, if you're playing on a Nintendo Switch 2, you should still be able to visit your friends' islands without issues—and they can do the same on your island too.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be fully playable on the Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Kirby and the Forgotten Land, it won’t receive a special Switch 2 Edition. However, existing owners should have no trouble transitioning to the new hardware when it launches next week—something that can't be said for every title in the lineup.

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players are invited to escape to a deserted island and build their own personalized paradise. Whether you’re designing your dream home, crafting unique furniture, or inviting friends over to explore your island, the game offers endless creative possibilities. It remains one of our favorite experiences on the platform and proudly holds a spot on our list of the Top 25 Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2025.

During its launch period, we were thoroughly impressed with the game and awarded it a solid 9, stating: "Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an expanded, polished, next-generation reboot of a classic Nintendo game that's full of surprises."