Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition version could not be missed Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a title that achieved enormous success in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the single best-selling game ever in Japan together with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and turning into a true mass phenomenon.

THE'’update 3.0 with the additional content (free) and the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrive at the same time right in these cold days, so that they can bring some warmth to the players' islands. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is, in any case, accessible at a decidedly budget price, equal to CHF 4.90. We had the opportunity to get our hands on this new package and, after stomping a few cockroaches in our house and pulling a few weeds here and there, we immediately dived into the additional content of this substantial free update.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Technical Improvements

Regarding the changes introduced specifically for the new console, we essentially have a graphic improvement linked to the textures and a practically instantaneous reduction in loading times, in addition to the introduction of the mouse mode thanks to the Joy-Con 2. However, it should be noted that even in compatibility mode the loading times were reduced to a minimum; the differences however lie mainly in the resolution, that is 4K in docked mode e Full HD in portable mode. The graphic details stand out in the reflections and color rendering of the interiors and furniture, with clear outlines and even more realistic surfaces compared to the previous edition. However, you have to get very close to the camera angle to notice them: a sign of the already excellent work done on the base version released in 2020. In terms of loading times, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version the wait is practically halved: it takes less than a minute to load the island and be ready to play, an operation that previously could take up to two or three minutes. Of course, the times have also decreased dramatically when entering a shop or a house. For technical reasons, the frame rate it was kept at 30 fps, but without drops, input lag or processing difficulties. The choice not to double the framerate is probably linked to the fact that the versions for the two consoles support the online cross-play; therefore, Switch 2 users would not have been able to take advantage of the increased power for a higher framerate without creating disparities. Online play has been improved, however, now allowing up to 12 players, against the limit of 8 of the original edition.

As mentioned earlier, the update introduces mouse control integration via Joy-Con 2. In other words, the player can use the right controller as a real mouse: to activate it, just position it horizontally while playing. decoration mode of the house or for the instrument Custom templates The NookPhone's increased sensitivity makes it easier to position furniture and draw intricate details. However, mouse mode isn't available in other contexts. Too bad.

Going into the merits of the content and starting with the QoL (Quality of Life), the ability to consult DIY recipes and create items using resources directly in the warehouse, in addition to the multiple crafting, which significantly speeds up the production of furniture and tools.

Update 3.0 – Tourism, Hotel Business, and the Return of the Pedantic Resetti

The mode Dreamy Islands, introduced in the December trailer, allows players to create islands from scratch as a sort of "blank canvas" so they can shape their terrain or furnish their spaces alone or in local/online co-op. This area is certainly useful for testing new designs without necessarily disrupting their home island, which, with this update, is However, it is possible to easily dismantle it using the service offered by Resetti.

Another addition is the opening of the’Remo's family hotel at the pier. The player will take on the role of interior designer and will have to furnish the rooms according to a certain theme, based on the DLC. Happy Home Paradise. Every day Ramona offers two styles to choose from, while leaving the player complete freedom over furniture, wallpaper, and lighting. You are then rewarded with hotel vouchers, a special currency that allows you to buy souvenirs in the hotel shop managed by Remigia. The goal is to encourage tourism and meet new characters who will become guests at the hotel, including some from other Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda. These characters will roam the island, enriching the tourist flow that was once limited to the camping area. It's interesting to note how the island becomes more lively and dynamic.

In short, if already Animal Crossing: New Horizons it was a title we loved for its style cozy and don't worry, with this update there is a substantial improvement in the management of crafting and many more activities to do (our review Who). Despite the welcome and free additions, the rating we gave it (5.25) in March 2020 remains unchanged, precisely because the gaming experience is still the same, albeit with some improvements in QoL. Nintendo's support is commendable, however, as they have managed to maintain the game's soul by supporting it with balance and shaping what we already defined as the definitive Animal Crossing experience, at an increasingly fair price. It will be interesting to see what future plans there are for this IP: what will Nintendo come up with for the next installment, already having such a successful title at their disposal?