Animal Crossing New Horizons Update: Exciting New Features Revealed

It’s time to dust off, remove those weeds and declutter those islands as Animal Crossing New Horizons is getting a new update in January next year!

Yes, that’s right, a brand-new update!

The last time we saw an update for Animal Crossing New Horizons was, well, quite some time ago now. In fact, it was back in 2021 when we last saw anything significant update wise. Of course, we’ve had some smaller updates in between, but they were very few and far between We were even lead to believe that it was around this time that the game would receive it’s final ever update too. However, out of the blue and certainly not on my own bingo card, Nintendo sneakily revealed the news earlier today.

On 15th January 2026, players will be able to download the Version 3.0 update for their game, as well as purchasing or upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game. Both are packed full of plenty of new and exciting improvements and new features, with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition utilizing a number of the console’s own features. These include mouse controls, Game Chat and the built-in microphone.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Features

With the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing New Horizons, there are five core new updates and features coming to the game, as stated on the Nintendo website:

• Improved resolution (4K in TV mode)
• Mouse controls with the right Joy-Con 2 controllers to decorate indoors, create Custom Designs and even compose handwritten bulletin-board messages.
• Locate residents by calling their names using the in-game megaphone item and the built-in Nintendo Switch 2 microphone.
• Join 12-player sessions for online sessions if everyone is playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
• Play with friends via Camera Play. Connect a compatible USB camera and see their reactions in-game while exploring your island together.

via Nintendo.com

Animal Crossing New Horizons Version 3.0 Features

When it comes to the Version 3.0 update, which will be available to all players on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles, there’s going to be plenty to explore:

• Resort Hotel’s Grand Opening: A resort hotel is opening on the pier, and it’s run by Kapp’n’s family. To bring in guests from off the island, you’ll help out by decorating guest rooms and more. Plus, find new furniture and clothing at the souvenir shop and dress up mannequins with outfits that guests can wear.
• Making Island Life More Convenient: Want a fresh start? Resetti is on hand with a convenient Reset Service to help tidy up your island. Additionally, you can now upgrade your home storage to hold up to 9,000 items, and store trees, shrubs and flowers there, too.
• Slumber Island: Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can design and save up to three islands and play with friends online. Select the size and layout of the island, build and design it collaboratively, access your inventory and decorate, plus invite residents from your home island.
• Collaborations: Collect Nintendo items like the Ultra Hand and Nintendo consoles in-game to add some classic flair to your island. Nintendo Switch Online members can play select classic Nintendo titles in-game when interacting with specific Nintendo console items, too! LEGO® items will also make their debut with this update. And use select The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series amiibo to invite certain characters — and unlock various items inspired by those series.

via Nintendo.com

Want to know more about the upcoming update to Animal Crossing New Horizons? Check out the full reveal video below:

What I’m Excited For in the Upcoming Update

I can’t deny that today’s news has me incredibly excited to jump back into my island and get ready for a new adventure! While it was unexpected news, it’s also great news, and I wanted to highlight several things that I’m looking forward to when the update lands next year!

(Okay, here’s most of the new features and why I’m excited for them!)

Bulk Crafting

FINALLY!

Finally, we can craft multiples of the same objects all at the same time. Not only will this save time but will also mean our island villager self can be much more productive and efficient at the same time!

However, crafting multiples of the same item would surely mean using up more of our limited storage space, doesn’t it?

More Storage

Like wise, we will now be able to expand our storage by an additional 4,000 slots. This means we can store a total of 9,000 items and will now include a variety of plants, bushes and trees!

Kapp’n’s Hotel

When I tell you I was shouting at my screen, I really mean it!

This is going to bring a whole new level of gameplay, storytelling, adventures, you name it, it’s certainly there! I loved the Happy Home Designer side of Animal Crossing New Horizons and the Hotel is going to be such fun to explore, design and play through!

Collaborations & Crossovers

Before I was able to actually sit down and watched the video in detail, I had seen some screenshots of both the Splatoon and The Legend of Zelda crossover. Naturally, these are both exciting and will put the Amiibo’s I have to good use. I’m looking forward to creating some themed rooms once I obtain some of the new furniture options.

Of course, I can’t forget to mention the LEGO collaboration which looks so good as well as the addition of some familiar Nintendo products making their way into the game too!

Resetti Returns

No introduction or further comment is needed, but hello again Resetti!

Slumber Island

Last but certainly not least is Slumber Island.

I’m was quite surprised when this was revealed during the video, but also curious and excited to try it out. The idea of being able to craft a dream island from scratch using a variety of tools and features will put a nice spin on the more traditional way of creating an island in Animal Crossing New Horizons. I also like how you can have multiple Slumber Islands and in different sizes too.

I feel it is safe to say that I’m very much looking forward to everything that is coming in this new Version 3.0 update, as well as the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game.

In the run-up to the update releasing, I’ll be working hard on reviving my island ready to welcome new visitors and friends to my island. I already know there will be a mountain of weeds to remove too!

What are your thoughts on the most recent Animal Crossing New Horizons news? Let me know down in the comments!