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Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Ver. 3.0 update is free for anyone who owns the game, adding a resort hotel, Resetti’s cleanup service, Slumber Islands and more. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a separate paid option: it adds improved resolution, mouse controls, a megaphone and larger online sessions. Existing Switch owners can keep playing the free update without buying the Switch 2 Edition; to use its edition-specific features on Switch 2, buy the Switch 2 Edition or the paid Upgrade Pack. The Upgrade Pack requires the full game.
What is the difference between the free update and the Switch 2 Edition?
The free Ver. 3.0 update adds activities and items to the game. The paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds platform-specific visual, control and online features. They are not the same purchase: downloading the free update does not unlock the Switch 2 Edition enhancements.
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| What you want | What to get | Cost and requirements |
|---|---|---|
| New activities and features in Ver. 3.0 | Update the game you already own | Free for owners of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nintendo Support listed Ver. 3.0.3, dated April 29, 2026, as the latest update at the time of its page listing. |
| Switch 2 Edition enhancements | Buy the Switch 2 Edition, or buy the Upgrade Pack if you already own the full game | Nintendo’s US announcement page listed regular prices of $64.99 for the Switch 2 Edition and $4.99 for the Upgrade Pack when accessed. These are US page-listed prices, not guaranteed current prices or prices in other regions. The Upgrade Pack requires the full game. |
Nintendo describes the options as “the free update for everyone who has the game” and “the paid upgrade for players who have a Nintendo Switch™ 2 system.” See Nintendo of America’s announcement for the edition details and listed US prices.
What’s new in the free Ver. 3.0 update?
Help Kapp’n’s family run a resort hotel
Decorate themed guest rooms at the resort hotel. Completing rooms and specified DIY requests earns hotel tickets, which you can spend in the hotel’s souvenir shop.
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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
Ask Resetti to clean up
Resetti’s cleanup service can clear a selected area or the whole island. You can include flowers or custom designs, and items removed during cleanup can be sent to storage.
Create Slumber Islands
Nintendo Switch Online members can create up to three Slumber Islands, separate from their main island. Terraform and decorate with items you have already obtained, then invite friends or visit their islands online.
Use LEGO, Nintendo, Zelda and Splatoon items
The update adds LEGO items and retro Nintendo items, as well as content associated with select Zelda- and Splatoon-series amiibo. Compatible amiibo accessories are sold separately, and not every amiibo is supported. Check Nintendo’s feature announcement for the compatibility details.
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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.
Craft and manage requests more easily
- Craft up to 10 items at once when you have enough materials.
- Use items in home storage as DIY materials.
- Review hotel and Tom Nook requests in the DIY Recipes app.
- Order Pocket Camp-linked items through Nook Shopping.
- See Nintendo Support’s update and patch notes for other quality-of-life changes and fixes.
What does the Switch 2 Edition add?
The Switch 2 Edition includes the Ver. 3.0 content and adds features for Nintendo Switch 2:
- Improved resolution: Nintendo says TV mode can reach 4K resolution with a compatible display. The game’s frame rate is capped at 30 fps.
- Joy-Con 2 mouse controls: Use mouse control for decorating and design work.
- Megaphone: Use the console’s built-in microphone to call residents.
- Larger online sessions: Online sessions can include up to 12 players when everyone uses the Switch 2 Edition.
- CameraPlay and GameChat: Participants can see and hear one another. CameraPlay video requires a compatible USB camera, sold separately.
Nintendo’s announcement lists internet access, a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership among the requirements for online features. It also describes 4K as conditional on using a compatible TV; it does not promise 4K on every display. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 Edition announcement for its feature and service details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you buy?
If you own the Switch version and only want the new activities
Update the game to get the free Ver. 3.0 content. You do not need to buy the Switch 2 Edition just to access the hotel, Resetti’s cleanup service, Slumber Islands or the new collaborations.
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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.
If you own the game and want the Switch 2 features
On Nintendo Switch 2, get the paid Upgrade Pack to add the Switch 2 Edition features to your full game. The pack is not a standalone copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
If you are buying the game for Switch 2
Choose the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for the game and its edition-specific enhancements. Compare the live price and format before purchasing: Nintendo’s US page listed $64.99 for the Edition and $4.99 for the Upgrade Pack as regular prices when accessed, but those figures may not match current retailer pricing or prices in other regions.
What is the latest ACNH update?
Nintendo Support listed Ver. 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026, as the latest update at the time of its update page listing. Its notes say the 25th Anniversary leaf statue became available through Nook Shopping and an item-image display issue was fixed. Earlier notes list Ver. 3.0.2 on April 13, 2026, with a commemorative anniversary item and fixes, and Ver. 3.0.1 on February 18, 2026, with fixes including hotel, Resetti and Slumber Island issues. Check Nintendo’s support page for the current version and complete patch history.
Can Switch and Switch 2 players play together?
Nintendo Support says all players must use the same software version to play together. Its guidance does not establish every cross-edition multiplayer combination, so check the game’s current support information for the specific versions in your group before arranging a session. Online play also depends on the relevant service requirements for the feature you plan to use.
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