Animal Crossing: New Horizons version 3.0 is a free update for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It adds a resort hotel, Slumber Island, Resetti’s Reset Service, new collaborations and expanded storage. The paid Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is optional: it adds features tied to the newer console, but is not needed to play the update’s new content.
What’s new in Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0?
The free update’s main additions give players new island activities and more ways to customize their space:
- Resort hotel: Kapp’n’s family runs a hotel on the pier. Help attract guests by decorating rooms; the souvenir shop offers new furniture and clothing, and mannequins let you display guest outfits.
- Slumber Island: Design and save up to three islands, choose their size and layout, decorate with other players, access inventory and invite residents from your home island. Playing online requires Nintendo Switch Online.
- Resetti’s Reset Service: Get help tidying your island.
- More home storage: Nintendo says storage can be expanded to hold up to 9,000 items and can store trees, shrubs and flowers.
- New themed items: The update adds Nintendo-themed items, LEGO items, and items inspired by The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon. Select classic Nintendo games can be played using specific in-game console items by Nintendo Switch Online members. Compatible amiibo from Zelda and Splatoon can invite certain characters and unlock related items; check compatibility for the specific amiibo you own.
- Pocket Camp items: After updating to version 3.0.0 or later, players can order Pocket Camp-themed items through Nook Shopping. This is separate from the original Pocket Camp promotion, which ended when that service closed on November 28, 2024.
Nintendo said the free update’s content can be played in both the original game and the Switch 2 Edition. Details are in Nintendo of America’s announcement.
What does the paid Switch 2 Edition add?
The Switch 2 Edition includes platform-specific enhancements beyond the free 3.0 update. Nintendo lists:
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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
- Improved resolution, including 4K in TV mode when connected to a compatible display. Nintendo states frame rates are capped at 30 fps.
- Mouse controls using the right Joy-Con 2 for indoor decorating, custom designs and handwritten bulletin-board messages.
- An in-game megaphone that uses the console’s built-in microphone.
- CameraPlay, which requires a compatible USB camera sold separately. Nintendo does not identify a specific camera model in the cited announcement.
- Online sessions of up to 12 players when everyone is using the Switch 2 Edition.
Online features require a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership, subject to regional availability and terms. Those requirements apply to online play, not to the mere availability of the free update.
Do you need to buy the Switch 2 Edition to get update 3.0?
No. The version 3.0 content is free on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and the paid Switch 2 Edition is not required to access the hotel, Slumber Island or the other update features. You need the Switch 2 Edition only if you want its console-specific enhancements.
Rank #2
- 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.
Nintendo’s October 30, 2025 announcement said the Switch 2 Edition would be available physically and digitally, with a separate upgrade pack for owners of the original Switch game. At announcement, Nintendo listed U.S. MSRPs of $64.99 for the full edition and $4.99 for the upgrade pack. Those were announcement-era prices, not confirmation of current retail pricing; availability and price can vary by region and date.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to download the update
- Connect your console to the internet.
- Highlight the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game icon on the HOME Menu.
- Press + or − to open the game’s options.
- Select Software Update, then Via the Internet.
Nintendo Support lists version 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026, as the latest update on its update instructions page. That listing may change. Nintendo also says everyone playing together must use the same software version.
Rank #3
![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.
Which version should you choose?
| Choice | What you get | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Original game on Nintendo Switch | Free version 3.0 content | Players who want the update’s new activities without the Switch 2-specific features |
| Original game on Nintendo Switch 2 | Free version 3.0 content | Players using Switch 2 who do not need the paid edition’s enhancements |
| Switch 2 Edition | Free version 3.0 content plus the Switch 2-specific features listed above | Players who want improved resolution, mouse controls, CameraPlay or larger online sessions |
| Upgrade pack | Switch 2 Edition enhancements for owners of the original Switch game; U.S. announcement-era MSRP was $4.99 | Existing owners who want those enhancements rather than another full copy |
The table describes the options announced by Nintendo; check your region’s current store listing for availability and price.
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