Feature Story

Reset Animal Crossing Island on Switch: Starting Fresh in 2023

Embarking on a new island adventure in Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Nintendo Switch often begins with fully customizing your character and island. But what if you've reached the island's current limits and want to start fresh, with a new look and layout? Resetting your island isn't as daunting as it may seem. Let's guide you through the process of 'resetting island switch 2' in a simple, step-by-step manner.

10 Animal Crossing New Horizons Hacks You Wish You Knew
10 Animal Crossing New Horizons Hacks You Wish You Knew

One thing to clarify from the start: 'Resetting island switch 2' doesn't reorganize or delete your in-game Nook Miles. Instead, it's about changing your island's features, such as its name and design. Now, let's dive into the process.

an island in the middle of water with trees and animals on it's sides
an island in the middle of water with trees and animals on it's sides

Understanding Island Resets

Before you proceed, it's essential to understand what resetting your island entails. This process involves changing your island's map, flora, and fauna, ultimately providing a new look and layout. Your house, resident services, and other public buildings will remain intact, but the rest of your island will undergo significant changes.

an island with a lighthouse on top of it in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by trees and other animals
an island with a lighthouse on top of it in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by trees and other animals

Keep in mind that resetting your island is permanent. You won't be able to revert to the previous island design once the process is complete. Therefore, it's crucial to back up your important data, such as your island design and villagers' photos, before proceeding.

Preparing Your Island: Create an Island Backup

Animal Crossing Beginners Guige
Animal Crossing Beginners Guige

Before resetting, you'll want to save your current island's data to have it as a fallback if needed. Animal Crossing: New Horizons doesn't have an in-game backup feature, but you can use the Switch's system software to create a save data backup:

  • Tap on the 'System Settings' option on your Switch's homescreen.
  • Scroll down and select 'Data Management' > 'Software.'
  • Find 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' in the list, then press '+'.
  • Select 'Copy to Console (Console Software)' and confirm the backup process.

Initializing the Island Reset Process

How to RESTART your ANIMAL CROSSING ISLAND
How to RESTART your ANIMAL CROSSING ISLAND

Now that your data is secured, it's time to initiate the reset. Here's how to do it:

  • On your Nintendo Switch homescreen, find and launch Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
  • At the title screen, press the '-/-+' buttons on your left Joy-Con simultaneously. This will bring up the Reset Island screen.
  • You'll see a warning message asking if you're sure you want to do this. Press 'Yes' to confirm the reset.

Exploring Your New Island

a cartoon character with a yellow and white machine next to it's head on the ground
a cartoon character with a yellow and white machine next to it's head on the ground

Once the reset is complete, your Switch will restart, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons will launch with your new island ready for exploration. Don't be disheartened if it doesn't look as idyllic as your previous island. Remember, you played a significant role in shaping your previous island's development, and the same will happen here.

Your new island will possess different rivers, cliffs, trees, and other natural features. Be sure to check out your island's entire map, discovering new locations and optimizing your Tom Nook items. It's a fresh start, so take your time exploring and creating your new paradise.

the map for mystery island tours
the map for mystery island tours
NooksTreasureIslands - Live on Twitch
NooksTreasureIslands - Live on Twitch
an animal crossing poster with information for the upcoming event, and instructions on how to use it
an animal crossing poster with information for the upcoming event, and instructions on how to use it
painting area by the sea
painting area by the sea
Things to do daily in animal crossing new horizons
Things to do daily in animal crossing new horizons
ACNH First Week
ACNH First Week
two different views of the same area with flowers and plants in it, one is pink
two different views of the same area with flowers and plants in it, one is pink
RESETTING My Island For The 2.0 Update! | ACNH
RESETTING My Island For The 2.0 Update! | ACNH
a poster with the words today written in english and chinese on it, along with pictures of various things
a poster with the words today written in english and chinese on it, along with pictures of various things
wasabi crossing
wasabi crossing
the beach is filled with lots of different things to see and do in this game
the beach is filled with lots of different things to see and do in this game
two screens showing the same room in animal crossing, one with couches and chairs
two screens showing the same room in animal crossing, one with couches and chairs
an animal crossing game with the caption'been feeling like you want to rest your arch island? '
an animal crossing game with the caption'been feeling like you want to rest your arch island? '
an animal crossing game is shown in this screenshot
an animal crossing game is shown in this screenshot
a painting of a small town with lots of trees and flowers on the side of it
a painting of a small town with lots of trees and flowers on the side of it
an image of a small island in the middle of a lake with flowers on it
an image of a small island in the middle of a lake with flowers on it
an animated image of mail boxes and other items on the ground with trees in the background
an animated image of mail boxes and other items on the ground with trees in the background
an info sheet with some different things to see in the image, including trees and other items
an info sheet with some different things to see in the image, including trees and other items
Stores Decoration
Stores Decoration
two screens showing the same area in an animated game, with different seating areas and tables
two screens showing the same area in an animated game, with different seating areas and tables

Repopulating Your Island

Post-reset, you'll find that your island has a reduced number of villagers. To increase your population, you'll need to use the Happy Home Paradise DLC. This feature allows you to relocate villagers from other saves or invite new ones to your island.

To maximize your villagers' happiness, focus on providing various facilities, such as shops, restaurants, and recreational spots. As your villagers' happiness grows, they'll move in more villagers, ultimately increasing your island's population and creating a thriving community.

Customizing Your New Island

With a new island comes new design opportunities. You can now change your island name, modify your flag, and even adjust your public works projects. Take advantage of this fresh start to create an island that's truly unique – one that reflects your personality and vision.

From rearranging your island's flowers to building new amenities, there's no limit to what you can create. Don't be afraid to experiment with different terrain forms, construction materials, and furniture placements. Your island, your rules!

Remember, an island reset is an opportunity for a fresh start, not a cause for distress. Embrace this new adventure with an open mind, and you'll soon have another beautiful Animal Crossing: New Horizons sanctuary that's uniquely you.