Nintendo released the version 3.0 free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on January 14, 2026—one day ahead of its scheduled January 15 launch worldwide on Nintendo Switch. The update, first announced in October and reversing the company's 2021 claim that version 2.0 would be the final major addition, introduces a seaside resort hotel, Resetti's Reset Service, expanded storage up to 9,000 items, cross-franchise collectibles, and Slumber Islands for collaborative building. A companion paid upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2 follows on January 15.
Nintendo surprised Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans by dropping the long-awaited version 3.0 free content update early on January 14, 2026. Players in advance time zones like New Zealand spotted it first, with confirmation from outlets including Game Informer and Eurogamer. The release reverses Nintendo's 2021 statement that the 2.0 update marked the end of major free additions, reigniting excitement among the community and potentially drawing back lapsed players from the game's 2020 pandemic peak.
Key features include the new Resort Hotel on Kapp'n the sea turtle's pier, where players can decorate guest rooms using Hotel Tickets, purchase souvenirs, furniture, and clothing, and even dress mannequins. Resetti's Reset Service tidies islands for 60,000 bells per use (first free), clearing debris but possibly storing unintended items. Storage expands to 9,000 items, now including plants and flowers, with added quality-of-life tweaks like bulk crafting and L-button precision terraforming. New collectibles feature LEGO furniture via Nook Shopping, amiibo villagers, and items from The Legend of Zelda (Mineru, Tulin) and Splatoon (Cece, Viché) franchises. Island Speciality Requests expand options for Tom Nook.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers unlock classic Nintendo consoles in-game for online play of select retro titles, plus access to Slumber Islands—a dream world via Luna for designing and saving up to three shareable islands, collaborating with friends on builds and terraforming, and inviting main island residents.
To update, highlight the game icon on the Switch home screen, press the '+' button, select 'Software Update' > 'Via the Internet,' or follow standard prompts.
Separately, the enhanced Switch 2 Edition launches January 15 at midnight local time as a $4.99 upgrade for existing owners or $65 new purchase. It adds 1080p handheld/4K docked visuals, Joy-Con 2 mouse decorating controls, GameChat for 12-player online multiplayer (up from eight), and a megaphone item using the mic to call villagers.
