New Switch arriving Tuesday, excited, help please!

[IndiaHawker]

So I’ve ordered the OLED model (totally talked myself into it as was originally hoping to get for Xmas, but many places are out of stock already and can imagine prices going up as stock lowers the nearer we get to Xmas… so I’m being responsible really!! Haha) and my intentions are to start a new game on it, so I’ll have a second island. A few questions though, I know a fair few people seem to have multiple islands so I’d really appreciate the help please!

- Will I need to purchase ACNH a second time, or will I be able to re download and create a new island for free on the new Switch?
- Will I need to purchase HHP a second time, or just re download?
- The new update took long enough to install over mobile internet that I had to use my neighbours Wi-Fi for it - should I prepare to need her Wi-Fi again to install the entire AC game from scratch on my new switch?
- Is there anything else I need to know about having two islands?

Please and thanks in advance!

 

[Fey]

• you can use the same copy of the game (provided you bought it digitally)
• same for HHP
• I can’t say for sure, but it stands to reason it would take as long or longer

I don’t think there’s anything else to know—just have fun with your second Island!

 

[IndiaHawker]

Thank you! I bought HHP digitally but ACNH as a physical game cartridge - can I just insert the cartridge into new switch or does it not work that way? I will speak to my neighbour tomorrow and ask if I can borrow her Wi-Fi again - lucky to have a neighbour like her, she’s always happy to help and we always help her in return Thank you, I’m so so excited to start a second island!!

 

[IndiaHawker]

Still interested to know if I’ll need to buy ACNH again as I have a physical copy? Lovely neighbour says I can use her Wi-Fi again

 

[RiceBunny]

I bought the physical copy and when I put the physical copy into a new switch, it started a new game(I had to transfer my island from one switch to another). So unlike previous versions, game data is not stored in the cartridge, but in the system. So, you can have one copy of the game and as long as you have multiple systems you’ll be able to have multiple towns. As for digital copy, I’m not sure, but I’d think it would work the same way except you’ll have to redownload the game into the new system

 

[S.J.]

Still interested to know if I’ll need to buy ACNH again as I have a physical copy? Lovely neighbour says I can use her Wi-Fi again

You can definitely use your physical copy in your new system to start a new game.

The caveat to having only one copy of everything (digital or physical) is that you will not be able to play both islands at one time (e.g. to transfer items from one island/character to another). That might not be a concern to you, but just thought I'd mention!