Animal Crossing: Free Expansion & Switch 2 in January

The gaming world is abuzz with significant announcements, notably a substantial free expansion for Nintendo’s beloved Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the confirmation of a Nintendo Switch 2 edition slated for January. This news comes alongside other compelling updates, including a new free-to-play Battlefield experience, details on an upcoming horror game, and an innovative interactive event at a major hotel.

Major Free Expansion and Switch 2 Version for Animal Crossing

Nintendo is set to invigorate Animal Crossing: New Horizons with a major free expansion arriving in January, coinciding with the launch of a new edition for the Nintendo Switch 2. This update promises to introduce several new features designed to enhance island life and offer fresh activities for residents.

Resort Hotel’s Grand Opening

A prominent new addition is a resort hotel opening on the island’s pier, managed by Kapp’n’s family. Players will assist in its operation by decorating guest rooms and performing other tasks to attract visitors. The resort will also feature a souvenir shop offering new furniture and clothing items, along with the ability to dress mannequins in outfits for guests.

Making Island Life More Convenient

To streamline gameplay, the expansion introduces several quality-of-life improvements. Resetti will now offer a convenient Reset Service, assisting players who desire a fresh start for their island. Furthermore, home storage can be upgraded to accommodate up to 9,000 items, and players will gain the ability to store trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Slumber Island

Nintendo Switch Online members will gain access to “Slumber Island,” a feature allowing them to design and save up to three distinct islands. This collaborative mode enables players to build and design islands with friends, access their inventory, decorate, and invite residents from their main island.

Collaborations and Special Items

The update also brings exciting collaborations. Players can collect classic Nintendo items, such as the Ultra Hand and various Nintendo consoles, to adorn their islands. Nintendo Switch Online members can even play select classic Nintendo titles in-game by interacting with specific console items. Additionally, LEGO items will debut, and specific The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo will unlock characters and themed items.

Game Updates and DLC

Beyond Animal Crossing, the gaming landscape saw other significant releases and announcements.

Battlefield REDSEC Launches as Free-to-Play

Electronic Arts (EA) and Battlefield Studios have launched Battlefield REDSEC, described as a “genre shifting free-to-play destination” built on the core Battlefield DNA. This new offering reimagines the Battle Royale genre, introduces an “intense squad-based competitive mode called Gauntlet,” and provides new ways to utilize the Portal feature.

Battlefield REDSEC launches alongside Season 1 for the recently released Battlefield 6. It features “Battlefield’s biggest map ever, Fort Lyndon,” where up to 100 players engage in massive battles, explore for loot, and strategize with “Tactical Destruction” to manipulate the environment. This aims to deliver the cinematic scale and signature gameplay experience for which Battlefield is known.

Upcoming Game Trailers

New glimpses into forthcoming titles continue to build anticipation.

Crisol: Theater of Idols – Behind the Scenes

Blumhouse Games and Vermila Studios have released a new behind-the-scenes video series for Crisol: Theater of Idols, a game set to launch in early 2026. Episode one offers a tour of Tormentosa, a fictional island off the coast of Hispaña.

The video delves into The Fair, a central hub where players can rest, encounter less hostile inhabitants, access upgrades, and participate in minigames. Crisol: Theater of Idols is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Interactive Experiences

Gaming extends beyond traditional consoles, with new interactive events emerging.

The Hilton Anaheim Quest Featuring Disney Pinnacle by Dapper Labs

A collaboration between Hilton Anaheim, Dapper Labs, and Flow will introduce “The Hilton Anaheim Quest Featuring Disney Pinnacle by Dapper Labs,” an interactive hotel activation running from November 1-30, 2025. This experience blends Disney aesthetics with modern digital engagement.

Guests can participate in a scavenger hunt by locating QR codes at four points throughout the Hilton Anaheim. Adults can download the Disney Pinnacle by Dapper Labs app on iOS and Android to unlock special digital collectibles. Upon completing all touchpoints, participants will receive four exclusive Disney Pinnacle by Dapper Labs Mystery Capsules, each containing a unique digital pin.

Conclusion

January is shaping up to be a significant month for gamers, particularly for fans of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with a substantial free content update and the prospect of a dedicated Switch 2 version. The broader gaming landscape also presents new experiences, from the tactical depth of Battlefield REDSEC to the narrative intrigue of Crisol: Theater of Idols, and innovative interactive events like “The Hilton Anaheim Quest.” These announcements highlight a continued evolution in how players engage with their favorite titles and discover new ones.