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The latest listed patch for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is version 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026. The larger version 3.0 update is free on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2: it adds Kapp’n’s Resort Hotel, Slumber Islands, expanded storage, collaborations and quality-of-life improvements. The paid Switch 2 Edition is only needed for its hardware-specific upgrades, such as mouse controls, CameraPlay and larger online sessions.
What is the latest Animal Crossing: New Horizons update?
Nintendo’s update history lists version 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026, as the latest patch. It makes the 25th Anniversary leaf statue available through the Nook Shopping furniture catalog, including for players who had not received it before, adjusts its price, and fixes an issue that prevented some item images from appearing in home storage or the hotel room decoration catalog.
The history also lists versions 3.0.2, released April 13, and 3.0.1, released February 18. Nintendo’s listed history establishes 3.0.3 as the latest version; it does not say whether another update is planned later in 2026.
What does the free version 3.0 update add?
Version 3.0 is a free content update, separate from the paid Switch 2 Edition. Nintendo’s support history gives January 14, 2026, as the version 3.0 release date, while its announcement says the update was coming January 15. Those are Nintendo’s support listing and announcement dates, respectively, not evidence of two separate launches. Nintendo says the update is playable in both editions.
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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.
Kapp’n’s family’s Resort Hotel
The Resort Hotel adds a themed decorating loop. Players furnish guest rooms to meet requests, help attract visitors and earn hotel tickets to spend in the souvenir shop.
Slumber Islands
Nintendo Switch Online members can create and save up to three Slumber Islands. Players can choose an island’s size and layout, build and decorate with friends online, and invite residents from their home island. Slumber Islands are part of the free update, but visiting or playing online requires the membership described below.
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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
More storage and island cleanup
Home storage can be expanded to hold up to 9,000 items and can include trees, shrubs and flowers. Resetti’s Reset Service offers help tidying an island.
Crafting and other conveniences
When materials allow, players can craft up to 10 items at once and use items in home storage as DIY materials. The DIY Recipes app can also show hotel and Tom Nook requests. Other adjustments include buying up to 50 Customization Kits at once, alongside catalog, island-life and Nook Miles changes.
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LEGO, Nintendo, Zelda and Splatoon items
The update adds LEGO-themed objects and classic Nintendo items. Some classic Nintendo console objects can play selected classic titles for Nintendo Switch Online members. Selected Zelda and Splatoon amiibo unlock specific characters or themed items; these accessories are optional for those particular extras, not a requirement for version 3.0. Animal Crossing amiibo figures and cards can invite selected characters to the Resort Hotel.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does the paid Switch 2 Edition add?
The Switch 2 Edition adds features designed for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Existing owners of the original game need the paid Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack to access these enhancements; the full game is required. The free version 3.0 update is not locked behind that purchase.
| Feature | Free version 3.0 | Switch 2 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Access and cost | Free update playable in both versions | Paid edition; existing owners need the paid upgrade pack |
| Hardware-specific features | No Switch 2-only enhancements required for the new general content | 4K resolution in TV mode, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for decorating, Custom Designs and bulletin-board messages, and a megaphone using the system microphone |
| Online player ceiling | Slumber Islands support online play for Nintendo Switch Online members; a player-count ceiling is not stated in the cited update announcement | Online sessions can include up to 12 players when everyone is using the Switch 2 Edition |
| Camera accessory | Not required for the free update | CameraPlay video requires a compatible USB camera, sold separately |
| Amiibo-dependent extras | Selected Zelda and Splatoon amiibo unlock specific content; Animal Crossing amiibo can invite selected characters to the Resort Hotel | Amiibo are not stated as a general requirement for the Switch 2 hardware features |
Nintendo’s regional product pages list different prices for the Switch 2 Edition, so there is no single global price to quote. Check the Nintendo eShop or Nintendo’s store for your region before buying.
Quick Recap
What do online play, CameraPlay and amiibo require?
- Online features: Nintendo says online features require an internet connection, a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership. This applies to online Slumber Island play and the online functions described for the game.
- GameChat: Nintendo’s launch information said GameChat could be used without a membership through March 31, 2026. After that date, Nintendo Switch Online membership is required.
- CameraPlay video: Requires a compatible USB camera, sold separately. The camera is an accessory for the Switch 2 Edition feature, not a requirement for the free update.
- Amiibo content: Only selected amiibo unlock the specified collaboration characters or items, and selected Animal Crossing amiibo can invite characters to the Resort Hotel. They are optional unless you want that particular content.
Which version should you get?
- Stay with the original game if you want the Resort Hotel, Slumber Islands, expanded storage, collaborations and the general version 3.0 improvements. Those additions do not require buying the Switch 2 Edition.
- Choose the Switch 2 Edition or upgrade pack if you specifically want its hardware-linked features, such as mouse controls, CameraPlay, 4K TV mode or online sessions of up to 12 players under Nintendo’s stated condition that everyone uses that edition.
- Use compatible amiibo selectively if you want the particular Zelda, Splatoon or Resort Hotel unlocks tied to them; they are not a prerequisite for the update as a whole.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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