It’s the question dividing the internet right now. On January 15, Nintendo released Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Deluxe Edition specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2.
But here is the catch: It’s not a free patch. It’s a full-priced $70 release. Owners of the original Switch version are asking: “Do I really need to buy this game again?”
We have spent the last week rebuilding our island in glorious 4K to give you the definitive answer. This isn’t just a resolution bump; it’s a fundamental change to how the game feels. Here is the breakdown of the differences and our final verdict.
1. The Visuals: 4K & Ray-Traced Water
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. The visual leap is staggering.
- Switch 1: Ran at 1080p (Docked) / 720p (Handheld) at 30fps.
- Switch 2: Runs at native 4K (Docked) at 60fps.
The 60fps fluidity changes everything. Catching bugs and fishing feels incredibly responsive. But the real star is the lighting. The Switch 2 version adds ray-traced reflections to the water and windows. The Museum Aquarium looks like a real-life exhibit now. The sunsets have volumetric fog that makes your island look breathtaking.
- Winner: Switch 2 (By a landslide).
2. The Map: Size Does Matter
Nintendo didn’t just up-res the assets; they expanded the boundaries. The “Deluxe” islands are approximately 30% larger than the original maps.
- More Verticality: You can now build up to 5 cliff levels (previously capped at 3).
- Deep Diving: The ocean swim area extends much further out, with new procedurally generated coral reefs to explore.
If you felt cramped on your old island, this extra space is a godsend for decorators.
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3. Quality of Life: Goodbye, Loading Screens
This is the feature that justifies the price tag for many. On the original Switch, entering a house or the Museum took 5-8 seconds of loading. On the Switch 2 (thanks to the NVMe SSD), loading is instant.
You walk into Nook’s Cranny, and you are there. You walk out, and you are outside. There are no black screens. This seamlessness makes the gameplay loop significantly more addictive because you aren’t constantly waiting.
4. Villager Count: The “15 Neighbor” Cap
For years, fans begged for more villagers. Nintendo finally listened.
- Switch 1: Capped at 10 Villagers.
- Switch 2: Cap increased to 15 Villagers.
This makes the island feel much more alive and less like a ghost town. Plus, the AI has been upgraded. Villagers now interact with furniture more often and can even be seen “swimming” in the ocean with you.
5. Is It Worth $70? (The Verdict)
This is tough. Essentially, you are paying for performance, visuals, and space.
You SHOULD buy it if:
- You are a hardcore decorator who plays daily.
- You care about 60fps smoothness.
- You want the extra island space and 5 more villagers.
You should SKIP it if:
- You only check your island once a month.
- You don’t have a 4K TV.
- You were hoping for a completely new game (mechanically, it is still the same New Horizons).
Final Score: 8.5/10 It’s the definitive version of a masterpiece, even if the “Nintendo Tax” feels a bit steep.
