Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTo change your island tune in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, wait until Resident Services is a building, then speak with Isabelle at her counter and choose the tune-change option. The editor gives you 16 note positions: move between them, adjust each note, preview the jingle, and set it when you’re happy with the result.
When can you change your island tune?
Isabelle’s tune-changing option unlocks after Resident Services has been upgraded from a tent to a building. Nintendo’s Play Nintendo guide says that once the upgrade is complete, you can talk to Isabelle about changing the town tune and town flag.
How to change the island tune
- Go to Resident Services. Sit at the stool beside Isabelle’s counter; the detailed instructions in iMore’s tune guide specify the right stool.
- Choose “Change the island tune.” Isabelle opens the melody editor.
- Edit the notes. The tune has 16 positions. Use up and down to change the selected note, and left and right to move through the positions.
- Preview your melody. Press Y to hear how it sounds.
- Set the tune. Press + when you’re ready to use it.
Nintendo’s Version 2.0.0 update notes also say Isabelle can suggest recommended melodies, including the original island tune. If that option appears in your game, you can use a suggestion instead of recreating the default by ear.
What melody should you use?
Pick a short, recognizable opening or refrain rather than trying to compress an entire song. The 16-position limit means some melodies need substantial simplification, and a tune may not fit the editor’s available pitches without changes. iMore’s examples include themes associated with Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Kirby, Star Wars, and Harry Potter; these are fan inspiration, not official Nintendo recommendations.
#1 Best Overall
![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
- Recognizability: Does the opening remain identifiable when reduced to a few notes?
- Fit: Can you represent the phrase within the editor’s length and note choices?
- Island mood: Does it suit the atmosphere you want your island to have?
- Ease of entry: Can you enter the notes comfortably and recognize the result in the preview?
There is no objectively best tune. If a phrase sounds wrong, try shortening it or simplifying its rhythm and pitches, then preview it again. Exact pitch boundaries are not established here, so use the in-game editor rather than relying on a pitch-by-pitch chart.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the island tune can—and cannot—do
The island tune is a short in-game jingle, not a full-song player. Its limited note positions make it well suited to a compact motif, but not every melody can be reproduced as written. The game is the only thing needed to use this built-in editor; no separate music tool or service is required. Nintendo identifies Animal Crossing: New Horizons as a Nintendo Switch game on its product page.
Quick Recap
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.
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.
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