In a move that has surprised everyone, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 is coming in 2026. Yes, the game that Nintendo said it was no longer supporting way back in 2021 is getting a big update, which just so happens to coincide with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade for the game.
Offering up improved resolutions, mouse controls, a new megaphone item, 12-player online multiplayer and a few other additions, the Switch 2 game upgrade is going to bring island life to Nintendo's new-gen console in style.
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 release date isn't far away
Along with knowing the big update and revitalization of the game is going to be free to play, we also know that Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 release date is set for January 15, 2026.
That's the same day as the Switch 2 Edition launches, complete with upgrade pack option for those who already own the game.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 is free for Switch and Switch 2 players
Although the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack will cost money - albeit just $4.99 / £4.19 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 is free to play and will add a whole host of new features to the game.
That's for players still rocking an original Switch, Switch Lite or Switch OLED, as well as those diving into island life on Switch 2.
Help run the Resort Hotel
Your pier is getting an update with 3.0, and Kapp'n's family is moving in. Update 3.0 will add a whole new Resort Hotel to your island, which Kapp'n's family is going to need your help to decorate - think Happy Home Paradise but hotel rooms.
You'll be given a theme to follow for each guest room, where you'll have to add furniture, wallpapers, lights and everything else you'll need to make a nice getaway space. Random villagers will then come and stay, and even walk around your island as the ultimate vacay spot. You can use amiibo to invite them to stay at the Resort Hotel, too.
Rewards for your hard work come in the form of hotel tickets, which you can exchange at the Hotel Souvenir shop for new items and furniture, which will seemingly be on rotation like Nook's Cranny.
You can even set rental outfits for villagers visiting your island by putting them on the mannequins in the Souvenir Shop, matching your island theme or the current season, or just whatever you fancy really.
Tom Nook's at it again
Of course, the graft doesn't end there, Tom Nook's getting involved with this new venture too. He's going to get you to help 'promote' the new Resort Hotel by making DIY recipes that can be shipped off island to showcase what kind of wares your island has to offer wannabe visitors. Craft what he's looking for, then get Kapp'n on the shipping to earn even more hotel tickets.
Resetti is finally arriving
Our old 'pal' Resetti is finally making an official debut in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0. He's here to offer a brand new Reset Service, which actually sounds like a very useful tool for those of us heading back to our island after a number of years. Who knows what state I left everything in...
Resetti's Reset Service will let you tidy up areas of your island, removing all the items you've left on it and safely storing them for you - rather than you having to do it all manually. He'll let you pick from clearing up the following three options:
- A specific area
- Just the beach
- The entire island
But don't be too hasty wiping all your full island placements because...
Slumber Islands give you additional islands to design
Going to sleep just got a whole lot more exciting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0. We're getting access to new Slumber Islands, which you can get to by having a lie down on your bed.
Slumber Islands will let you get access to three totally empty islands - either small, medium, or large in size - for you to completely redesign as you please. We're talking terraforming, bridges, slopes, and all the furniture you've unlocked (without having to craft anything). You can even add trees or flowers at different stages of growth for serious creative control over how your Slumber Islands look. You can also control the time of day and season too.
It's essentially a sandbox mode for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, where you can also let your villagers roam too by adding them to it.
Online multiplayer is supported here too, with all players able to create and terrain manipulate to their heart's content.
It's a huge get for the creative community that has made Animal Crossing: New Horizons its home.
Zelda, Splatoon and other awesome collabs are coming
We're going Nintendo-wide with some new collaborations coming to New Horizons with Update 3.0.
Firstly, they're adding some classic Nintendo consoles to the game, including Famicom, NES, and the Game Boy. If you've got a Nintendo Switch Online membership, interacting with these consoles in-game will let you play 'selected classic games' on these consoles too.
LEGO is also bringing some excellent official items into the game, including a whole load of furniture and some clothing items. Seriously loving the LEGO arcade and flowers.
If you've got a 'compatible' Legend of Zelda amiibo you'll be able to get some pretty sweet Zelda items - and new villagers - for your game too. Although the list hasn't been shared yet, we can see the kinds of items you'll be able to unlock from the announcement trailer. There are iconic outfits, rupees, the Tri-Force itself, and other items up for grabs, we assume depending on the amiibo you tap in.
There are also two new villagers to unlock - Tulin and Mineru - who can come and visit your island, or even join your villager roster if you so wish.
It's the same deal with Splatoon amiibo too. There's two new squirrel villagers to unlock called Cece and Viche, who are based on the Splatoon TV hosts Shiver and Frye. Of course, there are also Splatoon outfits, hairstyles and furniture to unlock too.
Animal Crossing update 3.0 quality of life updates
A couple other additions to Update 3.0 are also coming, which involve your home storage capacity. Home storage capacity is getting two new upgrade options of 7,000 and 9,000, which can be unlocked via Tom Nook. And, you'll also now be able to store trees, shrubs and flowers in your home storage
See what else is ahead with our roundup of upcoming Switch 2 games and upcoming Switch games.
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