Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0 is already out: Nintendo’s support history dates Version 3.0.0 to January 14, 2026, and Nintendo announced it as available on January 15. The update is free for owners of the game. Its headline additions include Kapp’n’s family’s resort hotel, Slumber Islands, Resetti’s cleanup service and new convenience features. Nintendo’s cited announcement does not confirm a new general roster of villagers. The paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and its upgrade pack are separate products.
When did the Animal Crossing 3.0 update come out?
Nintendo’s version history lists Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0.0 as released on January 14, 2026. Nintendo’s public announcement followed on January 15, 2026, describing the update as out now. Those dates refer to the support-page release date and the public announcement, respectively. Nintendo’s support history lists Version 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026, as the latest update as of October 8, 2026. Nintendo’s update history tracks the later releases; Nintendo’s announcement explains the Version 3.0 additions.
What’s new in Animal Crossing 3.0?
Kapp’n’s family opens a resort hotel
The hotel is located at the dock. You can help design themed rooms for guests and earn hotel tickets to spend in its souvenir shop.
Slumber Islands let you build separate dream destinations
Eligible Nintendo Switch Online members can create up to three Slumber Islands, separate from their main island. They can terraform and decorate using items they have already obtained, and work on the islands online with friends. Creating and visiting Slumber Islands requires Nintendo Switch Online membership; Nintendo also notes that online services may not be available in every country. Nintendo’s save-data and multiplayer FAQ covers online requirements.
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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 home storage and easier cleanup
Two additional home-storage upgrades raise the maximum to 9,000 slots, and trees, shrubs and flowers can be stored. Resetti’s cleanup service can clear selected areas or the entire island, including flowers and custom designs, and send removed items to storage.
Collaborations and quality-of-life changes
Version 3.0 adds LEGO items and retro Nintendo items. Scanning selected Splatoon or The Legend of Zelda amiibo unlocks related content; Nintendo says the amiibo accessories are sold separately. The update also lets you craft up to ten items at once, use items in home storage as DIY materials, track more DIY requests and take advantage of other smaller conveniences.
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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.
Are there new villagers?
Nintendo’s cited Version 3.0 announcement confirms selected Splatoon and The Legend of Zelda amiibo collaborations, but it does not confirm a new general villager roster or establish particular characters as newly available ordinary island residents. The supported description is crossover content unlocked by selected amiibo—not a general addition of new villagers. Nintendo’s announcement identifies the collaborations; it does not substantiate broader claims about new residents.
Is the Animal Crossing 3.0 update free?
Yes. Version 3.0 is a free content update for people who own Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It is distinct from the paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the paid Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack. The upgrade pack requires the full game. Nintendo’s US announcement distinguishes the free update from the paid options.
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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.
What does the Switch 2 Edition add?
The Switch 2 Edition adds enhanced resolution, mouse controls for decorating and design work, and a megaphone that uses the system microphone to call animal residents. It also supports online sessions of up to 12 players when everyone has the Switch 2 Edition. Nintendo says the original game supports up to eight people online. These Switch 2 features are not part of the free 3.0 update on the original Nintendo Switch. Online play requires a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership, and availability may vary by country. Nintendo’s multiplayer FAQ explains the player limits and online requirements.
How much is the Switch 2 upgrade?
Nintendo’s listed regular prices vary by region. The figures below are Nintendo’s stated prices, not guaranteed retailer prices; availability and retailer pricing can differ by country.
| Region | Nintendo Switch game | Switch 2 Edition | Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $59.99 | $64.99 | $4.99 |
| Canada | CAD $84.99 | CAD $89.99 | CAD $6.99 |
The 3.0 content update is free for existing game owners. The paid upgrade pack is for owners of the full game. Nintendo’s US and Canadian announcements list their respective regional prices: Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Canada.
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