Animal Crossing: New Horizons

How it plays

• Best shared as a slow daily ritual rather than a big game night.

• Housemates on one console share a single island, and in couch Party Play everyone except the leader is mostly a passenger.

• Visiting friends' islands is relaxed and chatty, for up to 8 players, or 12 with the Switch 2 Edition.

• Cozy
• Chill
• Build & create
• Easy to chat while playing
• Newcomer friendly
• Good with kids

Every way to play together

• • Switch 2

  Nintendo Switch 2

  Same screen

  4players, shared screen, full story togetherEditor (how we check facts)

  Party Play: one leader drives the camera and most actions; followers have limited options.

  Same room, own screens

  12players, side modes onlyCheck (how we check facts)

  The Switch 2 Edition raises island visits to 12 players.

  Online

  12players, side modes onlyCheck (how we check facts)

  The Switch 2 Edition raises island visits to 12 players.

• • Switch

  Nintendo Switch

  Same screen

  4players, shared screen, full story togetherEditor (how we check facts)

  Party Play: one leader drives the camera and most actions; followers have limited options.

  Same room, own screens

  8players, side modes onlyCheck (how we check facts)

  Island visits; each player needs their own Switch and copy.

  Online

  8players, side modes onlyCheck (how we check facts)

  Island visits; needs Nintendo Switch Online.

CheckDetails marked Check are being verified. How we check facts

Quick facts

Developer

Nintendo EPD

Released

2020

Platforms

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch

In these lists

• One of 164 co-op games on Switch 2
• One of 103 couch co-op games on Switch 2
• One of 123 local multiplayer games on Switch
• One of 54 4-player couch co-op games on Switch 2
• One of 158 crossplay co-op games
• One of 60 cozy co-op games on Switch 2

Can you play Animal Crossing: New Horizons on one screen?

Yes, on a shared screen rather than split-screen. Shared-screen co-op for up to 4 on Switch 2 and Switch.

One of 103 couch co-op games on Switch 2

How many players can play Animal Crossing: New Horizons together?

Shared-screen co-op for up to 4 on Switch 2 and Switch. Local co-op on separate screens for up to 12 on Switch 2. Local co-op on separate screens for up to 8 on Switch. Online co-op for up to 12 on Switch 2. Online co-op for up to 8 on Switch.

Is Animal Crossing: New Horizons crossplay?

Yes. Crossplay between Switch 2 and Switch. Switch and Switch 2 Edition players can visit each other; mixed groups may be capped at 8.

One of 190 crossplay games

Do you need two copies of Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

On one screen, one copy is enough. Each player online needs their own copy.

Can you play the Animal Crossing: New Horizons story together?

Yes: the main campaign is playable together on one screen.

What platforms is Animal Crossing: New Horizons on?

Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.

One of 164 co-op games on Switch 2

Is Animal Crossing: New Horizons free?

No, it's a paid game.