Animal Crossing Cozy Rival Drops Major Freebie On Nintendo Switch 2

Once upon a time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was the jewel in Nintendo’s cosy gaming crown, at least until Pokémon Pokopia arrived earlier this year.

These two games are far from the only cosy games deserving of your attention on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 though.

Disney Dreamlight Valley, Palia, Wylde Flowers, Cozy Grove, and Stardew Valley are some of the other standout titles available on those consoles.

More recently, they were joined by a worthy Animal Crossing competitor in the form of Dinkum.

Developed by James Bendon and published by Krafton, Dinkum is part survival game, part life sim, set within the Australian outback.

Players will partake in all of the usual cosy gaming fare, including farming, hunting, mining, foraging, and more as they set about extending and improving their town.

You’ll grow crops, raise animals, establish your own farm, catch fish and bugs as well as befriend the locals.

Krafton

“From red deserts and lush forests to hidden mines, Dinkum is full of wild places to explore,” the synopsis reads.

“Hunt wild animals, gather resources, and learn how to survive in the great outdoors.

“The creatures might look cute, but don't let your guard down! You'll need tools, weapons, and a solid strategy to make it out in one piece.

“Will you go head-to-head, or set traps and play it smart? The choice is yours.”

Dinkum landed on the original Nintendo Switch last year, but it only recently made the hop over onto Nintendo’s new-gen console.

Not only can Dinkum now natively be enjoyed on Nintendo Switch 2, those who owned the Nintendo Switch version of the game can nab the new-gen upgrade for free.

The Free New-Gen Update Features Improved Graphics On Switch 2

Dinkum - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition offers a “smoother, clearer experience with improved framerate and resolution” as well as “optimised visuals”, although no specifics are offered beyond that.

There are no changes to the game’s content.

In terms of content, however, a hefty update - ‘The Great Bite’ - recently landed in the PC version of the game.

The update introduced a brand-new destination with new plant life as well as cliffs players can climb.

It also brought with it new collectibles, quality-of-life tweaks, the ability to summon vehicles, new accessories, and treasure hunts.

Eventually, this should arrive on Nintendo Switch, but it’s not available just yet.

Nintendo players can now enjoy Dinkum’s Animal Tracks update instead, which arrived on PC in October of last year, so we’re looking at roughly a six month delay.

There’s also a limited-time event running on Steam where until 7 May, you can sell fish to John’s Goods to receive commemorative tickets which can be exchanged for exclusive items.

If you don’t own Dinkum on Nintendo Switch and can’t secure the free Switch 2 new-gen upgrade, there is currently an offer running on that version of the game.

Dinkum - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is 20% off until 11 May, bringing the price down to £14.39. Pricing will vary by region.

READ MORE: Animal Crossing Gamers Devastated As Spiritual Successor Abruptly Cancelled