What’s New on Nintendo Switch Online This January – Island Refresh, Ike’s Return, Retro Boosts

Nintendo has outlined what’s new for Nintendo Switch Online in January. The headline is a free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons that expands decorating and shared dream play for members. On the retro side, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance lands on the GameCube – Nintendo Classics library for Switch 2 with an Expansion Pack membership. The Nintendo 64 lineup also grows with Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble. Rounding things out, Nintendo Music adds a curated Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance playlist for subscribers.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Update Rolls Out

Both versions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons receive a no‑cost content update. Players can now decorate resort hotel rooms for guests and, with an active Switch Online membership, visit Slumber Island to build and decorate with friends in a shared dreamscape. It’s pitched as an easy on‑ramp whether you are returning to island life or starting from scratch.

Video overview: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Oc8qckEoKxk

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Joins Gamecube – Nintendo Classics

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is now playable via Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics, available to Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. The tactical RPG brings Ike’s campaign against encroaching forces to the Classics library, offering grid‑based battles and permadeath stakes for series traditionalists.

Announcement trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/uAVh2BgUkxA

Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics Adds Two Late-90S 3D Platformers

The N64 Classics catalog expands with two Ubisoft‑era titles. Access requires a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

• Rayman 2: The Great Escape – a fully 3D platformer known for linear set‑pieces, hover mechanics, and collectible‑driven progression.
• Tonic Trouble – a comedic platformer with gadget‑based traversal and cartoon physics.

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Soundtrack Arrives on Nintendo Music

Switch Online members can now stream music from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance in the Nintendo Music smart‑device app. The official playlist highlights battle themes and character motifs from the GameCube entry.

Read also our article: Sparking! Zero Locks in Dlc, Free Solo Modes and a Kageyama Comeback

Playlist link (mobile app required): https://share.music.nintendo.com/en-US/US/officialPlaylists/3031fbd2-1d94-404c-9098-85b4a8bec550

January’s Other Featured Titles with Online Play

Nintendo’s roundup also spotlights new and recent games that support online or multiplayer features, offering variety beyond retro drops.

• LEGO Party! – a 4‑player party collection with 60 minigames across themes like LEGO Pirates, LEGO Space, and LEGO Ninjago; built for quick competitive sessions. Trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ueqD0fBStqM
• EA SPORTS FC 26 – introduces two gameplay profiles: Authentic Gameplay for a simulation‑leaning Career mode and Competitive Gameplay – focused on refined fundamentals and responsiveness – for Football Ultimate Team and Clubs. Trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/T9NMv6jrviY
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure – a cozy life‑sim where you restore an abandoned island, make friends, and uncover a mystery.

Watch the Full January Roundup

For a concise recap of January’s beats – from island upgrades to retro drops – Nintendo’s monthly video provides the overview.

Roundup video: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7nODHyw3lgs

Final Takeaway – What It Means for Players

January’s update leans on member value through content rather than hardware – a free Animal Crossing refresh for builders and decorators, plus notable Classics additions that continue to shore up the service’s retro appeal. If you keep an active Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, the growing libraries – especially GameCube and N64 – mean more strategy, platforming, and nostalgia on demand.