Fortnite v39.20 Downtime, Switch 2 Classics Expand, and an ACNH Prep Guide

Meta description: Fortnite v39.20 maintenance is live, Nintendo adds Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to GameCube Classics, and we prep for ACNH’s Jan. 15 update with a practical checklist.

Quick Summary

Fortnite is in scheduled downtime for the v39.20 update (maintenance window posted by Epic).
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on Nintendo Switch 2 just added Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a major moment coming on January 15, 2026: a Switch 2 Edition plus a free content update for both Switch and Switch 2—so today’s guide focuses on prepping cleanly (save transfer mindset, storage housekeeping, and multiplayer expectations).

Today’s Gaming News Highlights

Fortnite: v39.20 scheduled downtime is in progress (Epic status page)

Epic’s public status page lists Fortnite downtime for the v39.20 update as a scheduled maintenance window running January 9, 2026 (09:00–11:00 UTC), with matchmaking disabled beforehand. During maintenance, multiple Fortnite services (login, matchmaking, item shop, etc.) are marked under maintenance. ([status.epicgames.com](https://status.epicgames.com/?utm_source=openai))

What to do if you can’t get in: don’t reinstall—first confirm the current state on the status page and wait for services to flip back to operational. ([status.epicgames.com](https://status.epicgames.com/?utm_source=openai))

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Switch 2): Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance joins GameCube Classics

Nintendo posted a news update dated January 9, 2026 announcing that Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is now available in Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on Nintendo Switch 2. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/my/news/article/5AIhxAHHeR6wHYuF0nkCss?utm_source=openai))

If you’re new to the tiering: Nintendo’s Expansion Pack page reiterates that GameCube – Nintendo Classics access is a Switch 2 feature within the Expansion Pack lineup. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/?utm_source=openai))

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Jan. 15, 2026): Switch 2 Edition + free update details confirmed by Nintendo

Nintendo’s official announcement confirms Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches on January 15, 2026 with Switch 2-focused upgrades (including 4K in TV mode, mouse controls, and 12-player online sessions when everyone is on the Switch 2 Edition). ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

The same post also confirms a free update for the base game on Nintendo Switch (and playable in both versions) featuring a Resort Hotel, Resetti’s Reset Service, a home storage upgrade up to 9,000 items, and Slumber Island for Nintendo Switch Online members, plus collaboration items. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

Nintendo’s product page for the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack also echoes the upgrade pack positioning and highlights the free update tie-in. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-2-edition-upgrade-pack-switch-2/?utm_source=openai))

Guide Corner (How-to / Walkthrough / Rules / Strategy)

How to prep for Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Jan. 15 update (Switch & Switch 2)

This is a practical, low-stress checklist to make update day smoother—especially if you’re returning after a break or you plan to jump between solo play and online sessions.

1) Decide your “version path” (so you don’t buy the wrong thing)

Staying on Nintendo Switch: you still get the free update on January 15, 2026. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))
Moving to Switch 2: you can buy the Switch 2 Edition outright, or (if you already own the original) use the paid upgrade pack option Nintendo is offering. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

2) Do a “storage sanity pass” before the patch

Nintendo confirms you’ll be able to upgrade home storage up to 9,000 items and store trees, shrubs, and flowers there. That’s huge, but it can also encourage hoarding chaos.

Before January 15, sell or gift duplicates you truly don’t use (especially low-sentiment clothing/furniture).
Create a single “update day box” area: drop crafting materials/tools you always want on hand for first-login tasks (wood types, iron, stone, spare tools).
If you share the island with family/roommates, agree on a quick rule: who gets first pass at testing new features vs. who does routine chores.

Why this helps: when a content drop adds new systems (like Resort Hotel + convenience services), you’ll want mental clarity more than you want 40 spare chairs.

3) Prep for Resort Hotel: build a repeatable decorating workflow

Nintendo says the new Resort Hotel involves decorating guest rooms and includes a souvenir shop plus mannequins/outfits guests can wear. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

Create 2–3 “room templates” in your head: cozy (wood + plants), modern (clean lines), cute (pastels).
Keep one small set of versatile items ready: neutral bed, neutral table, 2 lighting options, 2 rugs/wallpapers.
When you unlock new items, rotate them into your templates rather than rebuilding from scratch every time.

4) Multiplayer expectations: 12-player sessions have a key requirement

Nintendo’s official details specify that 12-player online sessions apply when everyone is playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

If your friend group is mixed (some on Switch, some on Switch 2), plan around the lowest-common-denominator features for group nights.
If you’re the “host friend,” write down who has which version so you can avoid last-minute confusion.

5) If you’re excited for mouse controls: practice “precision tasks” now

Nintendo highlights mouse controls (using the right Joy-Con 2) for indoor decorating, Custom Designs, and message writing. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

Make a short list of tasks that benefit from precision: aligning furniture edges, pathing patterns, custom design touch-ups.
Save a few “to-fix later” rooms so you have a clear before/after project once you try the new controls.

Common Mistakes

Assuming Fortnite is “broken” during scheduled maintenance: today’s v39.20 downtime is a planned window posted by Epic; wait for services to restore. ([status.epicgames.com](https://status.epicgames.com/?utm_source=openai))
Overbuying Animal Crossing options: choose between the full Switch 2 Edition purchase vs. the upgrade pack path (if you already own the original). ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))
Expecting 12-player online without matching versions: Nintendo’s phrasing ties 12-player sessions to everyone using the Switch 2 Edition. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))
Not reading access requirements for classics: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is tied to Expansion Pack access on Switch 2’s GameCube Classics lineup. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/my/news/article/5AIhxAHHeR6wHYuF0nkCss?utm_source=openai))

Advanced Tips

Fortnite downtime efficiency: schedule your update download for after maintenance flips to operational, then launch once login/matchmaking stabilize (status page first, troubleshooting second). ([status.epicgames.com](https://status.epicgames.com/?utm_source=openai))
Animal Crossing project planning: treat Resort Hotel rooms like “loadouts.” Maintaining 2–3 templates speeds up decision-making and makes new items feel immediately useful.
Switch 2 social features readiness: Nintendo mentions CameraPlay as a supported feature (with a compatible USB camera) and notes online requirements—plan hardware before your first big hangout. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

How to research better (Checklist)

Start with primary sources: official status pages (service downtime), official patch notes/changelogs, and developer announcements.
Verify dates in UTC + your local time: today’s Fortnite maintenance window is listed as Jan. 9, 2026 (09:00–11:00 UTC). ([status.epicgames.com](https://status.epicgames.com/?utm_source=openai))
Confirm platform gating: Nintendo’s GameCube Classics access is specifically framed around Switch 2 within the Expansion Pack lineup. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/?utm_source=openai))
Cross-check with at least one reputable outlet (for context), but don’t let it override the primary source.
Look for requirement footnotes: online membership requirements, hardware requirements (4K display, USB camera), and version matching for multiplayer. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

FAQ (5–8 Qs)

1) Why can’t I log into Fortnite right now?

Epic lists Fortnite as under scheduled maintenance for the v39.20 update on January 9, 2026, with multiple services (login/matchmaking/item shop) marked under maintenance. ([status.epicgames.com](https://status.epicgames.com/?utm_source=openai))

2) What time is the Fortnite v39.20 maintenance window?

Epic’s status page shows Jan. 9, 2026, 09:00–11:00 UTC for scheduled maintenance. ([status.epicgames.com](https://status.epicgames.com/?utm_source=openai))

3) What’s the big Nintendo Switch Online addition today?

Nintendo announced Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is now available in Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on Nintendo Switch 2. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/my/news/article/5AIhxAHHeR6wHYuF0nkCss?utm_source=openai))

4) When does the Animal Crossing: New Horizons free update release?

Nintendo confirms the free update arrives on January 15, 2026. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

5) Do I need a Switch 2 to get Animal Crossing’s new Resort Hotel content?

No—Nintendo states the free update comes to the Nintendo Switch version, and the update content can be played in both versions on January 15. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

6) What’s exclusive to Animal Crossing’s Switch 2 Edition?

Nintendo lists Switch 2 Edition enhancements like improved resolution (4K in TV mode) and mouse controls (plus other Switch 2 features). ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))

7) Can I do 12-player online sessions in Animal Crossing with friends on the original Switch?

Nintendo’s details specify 12-player online sessions when everyone is playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. ([nintendo.com](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/animal-crossing-new-horizons-sails-ashore-with-a-nintendo-switch-2-edition-and-free-content-update-jan-15/?utm_source=openai))