On the Radar with Animal Crossing: New Horizons – relaxing with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Update 3.0, and soaking in the vibes

Tom Nook from Animal Crossing New Horizons on the GamesRadar+ On the Radar hub branding.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is both six years old and also brand new. The iconic cozy life-sim we all became obsessed with back in 2020 has accumulated several refreshes that have added in new content, with the huge Update 3.0 joining a whole new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. It's still the same game, with your same town (should you choose to keep it), but with all-new activities to tackle.

What better way to start the year than relaxing in your very own island paradise, making it your own, and hanging out with friends both real and animal-shaped alike? We've taken a chill pill for January, and have been spending this month revisiting Animal Crossing: New Horizons for a deep dive into a game that's never been far from our hearts.

Keep reading to discover our Animal Crossing: New Horizons On the Radar for Nintendo Switch 2 and Update 3.0, the best place to get more out of one of the most relaxing new games of 2026.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons - On the Radar

01 | Third update's the charm

(Image credit: Nintendo)

02 | New beginnings

(Image credit: Nintendo)

03 | Time together

(Image credit: Nintendo)

04 | Something new

(Image credit: Nintendo)

05 | Neigh-borly spirit

(Image credit: Nintendo)

06 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons guide

(Image credit: Nintendo)