Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0 is already available. You do not need to redesign your island, clear space, or stockpile supplies before installing it: update the game, then choose which new activities you want to try. Nintendo Support lists Ver. 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026, as the latest version; check the console’s software information for any later patch.
What to do before you start
- Connect your console to the internet. From the HOME Menu, highlight Animal Crossing: New Horizons, open its software options, and choose the software update option. Nintendo’s Ver. 3.0 feature page calls it a free update for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo Support’s version history lists Ver. 3.0.3 as released April 29, 2026.
- Let the update finish, then launch the game. Nintendo says save data remains available after downloading the update. There is no required island cleanup or layout change before installation.
- If you plan to play online, check membership and versions. Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership are required for online features. Everyone playing together must use the same software version, so update before arranging an online visit.
What is new in Version 3.0?
Design guest rooms at the Resort Hotel
The Resort Hotel is located by the dock. You can decorate themed guest rooms, dress mannequins in outfits for visitors, and may see hotel guests touring your island. Completing hotel room designs earns hotel tickets, which you can exchange for items in the souvenir shop.
Make island specialties for Tom Nook
Tom Nook can request crafted island specialty goods. Fulfilling those requests earns hotel tickets, giving you another route to the souvenir shop’s items. You can gather materials when you choose; Nintendo does not list a required stockpile for starting these activities.
Build a dream island in Slumber Island
Slumber Island lets you create and decorate a separate dream island, choose its size, time, and weather, and invite residents. Online play requires Nintendo Switch Online. If you are not interested in online features, that membership requirement does not make Switch 2 hardware necessary for the free update.
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![Animal Crossings New Horizons - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ErvUL40zL._SL160_.jpg)
- Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility; Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
- Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools. Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
- Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere. Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
- Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more.
- Show off your paradise – play on the same system with a total of 4 people, or play together online or over local wireless for fun with up to 8 players
Use Resetti’s Reset Service if you want a cleanup
After updating, Resetti can clear flowers, decorations, and other items from your island, with collected items safely stored. Nintendo says the expanded storage can hold up to 9,000 items, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. Treat the service as an optional in-game cleanup tool—not a step you must complete before installing the update.
Find the collaboration items
Version 3.0 adds collaborations with Nintendo, LEGO, The Legend of Zelda, and Splatoon. The way to obtain items depends on the collaboration: Nintendo describes items available through the hotel souvenir shop, Nook Shopping, or compatible series amiibo. Check the in-game source for the particular item rather than assuming every collaboration uses the same unlock method.
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- Share Your Paradise - Show off your island utopia to family and friends - or pack your bags and visit theirs.
- Get Building - Experience a robust new crafting system - collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools!
- Create Your Perfect Getaway - Craft everything from tools to creature comforts as you create and customize your island community.
- Explore Your Island - Collect bugs, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean.
- Play Together - Up to eight players can reside on an island; four residents of the same island can play together simultaneously on a single system.
Do you need amiibo or a Switch 2?
No. The free update is available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and amiibo are optional. Nintendo says compatible Animal Crossing amiibo can invite certain favorite characters to stay at the hotel. If you want a specific character, confirm that the exact amiibo is compatible before buying; it is not needed to access the update’s core activities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you clear your island before updating?
No advance clearing is required. Keep your existing layout if you like it, and use Resetti’s service later if you decide you want a broader cleanup. The practical preparation is simply to install the current game version and, for online activities, make sure participants meet Nintendo’s membership and version requirements.
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![Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JAzQozLgL._SL160_.jpg)
- Take in-game photos of your designs and add them to your portfolio. Show them to other characters and you may get more requests to create vacation homes. Share the photos with other players using the in-game Showroom in the Happy Home Network app and they can tour your personally-designed resort islands or go tour theirs for some relaxation and inspiration.
- Purchase the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC from Nintendo eShop, or download and play it as part of an active Nintendo Switch Online plus Expansion Pack membership at no extra cost.
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