Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Next Big Update is Right Around the Corner

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The long-awaited update 3.0 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is arriving on January 15th, and players have a lot to be excited about! It’s launching on the same day as Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the new Nintendo Switch 2, and will include new villagers, fresh gameplay features, and other exciting additions.

It’s been nearly six years since the last major Animal Crossing game was released on the Nintendo Switch. Animal Crossing: New Horizons was incredibly popular during the 2020 pandemic, and for the first couple of years, Nintendo consistently added new features to keep players engaged, even after lockdowns ended. While many fans thought the 2.0 update in November 2021 would be the last big addition to the game, they’ll soon find out that isn’t the case.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0 Features

Switch 2 Version Only

  • 12-Player Multiplayer
  • Mouse Controls
  • Megaphone Tool
  • Improved Visuals
  • Faster Loading Times

Switch and Switch 2 Versions

  • Bulk Crafting
  • Upgraded Item Storage
  • Resort Hotel
  • Dream World and Slumber Islands
  • Resetti’s Reset Service
  • Playable NES and Game Boy Games
  • Zelda and Splatoon Items and Characters
  • LEGO Items

On January 15th, an upgraded version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be released for the new Switch 2 console. This version offers several improvements that may appeal to existing players, including better graphics, faster loading, and the ability to play with up to 12 people online. The new console’s hardware also allows for more precise decorating using Joy-Con mouse controls, and introduces a Megaphone tool that lets players call villagers using the console’s microphone.

Image via Nintendo

Even though the Switch 2 is coming out with new features, players will have plenty to enjoy in this update whether they’re playing on the original Switch or the new one. One of the most highly requested improvements – being able to craft multiple items at once in Animal Crossing: New Horizons – is finally being added in the 3.0 update. This update also significantly increases storage space from 5,000 to 9,000 items. This is especially useful because players will now be able to store things like trees and flowers, protecting their rare and carefully grown plants.

Image via Nintendo

Beyond general improvements, the big additions in the 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons focus on building and customization. Players can now build and manage a hotel, welcoming visiting villagers and designing unique hotel rooms for them. Completing these designs earns tickets for exclusive items in a new Hotel Gift Shop. Plus, resting in bed now lets you travel to Slumber Island, where you can fully customize the landscape and even choose the season and time of day.

Image via Nintendo

Players can look forward to exciting additions inspired by other popular Nintendo games and LEGO! The game will receive LEGO-themed furniture and clothing, plus special items and villagers from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon. Using Amiibo figures can increase the chances of these new villagers visiting your island. Plus, players will be able to unlock classic NES and Game Boy games to play, though a Nintendo Switch Online membership is needed to access them.

Image via Nintendo

Wow, the 3.0 update really came out of nowhere! Honestly, most of us were expecting Nintendo to announce a new Animal Crossing game for 2025. Now that New Horizons is getting updates all the way into 2026, it makes me wonder how much longer we’ll have to wait for a completely new installment. We’ve all got our wish lists for the next game – bigger towns, deeper friendships with the villagers, things like that – but with everything they packed into this update, it feels like a brand-new game is still a good couple of years off, at least. It’s a little disappointing, but also shows how much they’re still doing with New Horizons!

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2026-01-03 07:04