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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11To manually update Animal Crossing: New Horizons, connect your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet, highlight the game on the HOME Menu, press + or −, then choose Software Update → Via the Internet. Version 3.0 is already available, so there is no official early-access method to use; this check installs the newest version Nintendo has made available to your console.
Manually check for an update
- Connect your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet.
- On the HOME Menu, highlight Animal Crossing: New Horizons without opening it.
- Press the + or − button on your controller.
- Select Software Update, then Via the Internet.
- After the update installs, start the game and check the version number on its title screen.
Nintendo says your save data remains usable after downloading an update. The game may also prompt you to install an available update when you start it while the console is online. For general system instructions, see Nintendo’s guide to updating software on Nintendo Switch.
Can you access the 3.0 update early?
No. Version 3.0 is already released, and Nintendo’s update pages do not describe an approved way to get an update before it is made available to your console. Use Software Update → Via the Internet to check as soon as Nintendo’s rollout reaches you; changing your region, clock, or account settings is not an official early-access method.
Nintendo’s U.S. update history lists Version 3.0.0 as released on January 14, 2026, while Nintendo UK lists the free update as available on January 15, 2026. Those are region-specific dates, not conflicting release claims. See Nintendo UK’s page for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
#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
Which version is current?
Nintendo’s U.S. support page lists Version 3.0.3, released April 29, 2026, as its latest update. That update adds the 25th Anniversary leaf statue to the Nook Shopping furniture catalog and fixes an issue that hid some item images in home storage or the hotel room decoration catalog. Check Nintendo’s update history for Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the latest listing, which may change.
What Version 3.0 added
Version 3.0.0 introduced the resort hotel, Slumber Islands, collaborations, and other activities. It also lets players craft up to 10 items at once when they have enough materials, and use items stored in their home as DIY materials. Nintendo describes the free update and its features on its Version 3.0 update page.
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.
Manual and automatic updates
| Method | How it works | What you control |
|---|---|---|
| Manual check | From HOME, highlight the game, press + or −, then choose Software Update → Via the Internet. | You initiate the check when you want to look for an update. |
| Automatic update | The update downloads and installs automatically when the console is connected to the internet and Software Auto-Updates is enabled. | You rely on the console’s setting and internet connection; you do not initiate each check yourself. |
| Startup prompt | The game can prompt you about an available update when started while the console is online. | You respond to the prompt rather than checking first from HOME. |
Nintendo’s general software update instructions cover the auto-update setting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Playing online after updating
Players need to be on the same software version to play together. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for the game’s online features; see Nintendo’s game information page for details.
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.
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