Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 Update Brings Major Collaborations and Switch 2 Edition Release

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the critically acclaimed life simulation title by Nintendo, is set to receive its largest content update yet with the highly anticipated version 3.0—arriving on January 15, 2026.

Launching side by side with a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, this free update promises to elevate the player experience with a wealth of new features, collaborations, and in-game expansions. Since its debut on the Nintendo Switch in March 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become one of the console’s best-selling games, earning rave reviews for its charming gameplay, deep customization, and connectivity features.

With over 40 million copies sold globally, the title continues to see robust community engagement and steady updates.

The upcoming 3.0 update is poised to further solidify its stature as a flagship entry in the Animal Crossing series. A significant highlight of this update is the introduction of exclusive LEGO-themed content.

For the first time, LEGO, which has collaborated with Animal Crossing on several successful physical sets, will make its digital debut within the game.

Players can access a comprehensive suite of LEGO-inspired furniture and apparel through the in-game Nook Shopping platform.

This allows fans to bring their passion for building bricks directly to their island homes, featuring items like a LEGO arcade machine and unique decor options that capture the iconic style of the LEGO universe. In a move sure to delight long-time fans, the update also introduces a collaboration with the Legend of Zelda franchise.

By using compatible Legend of Zelda amiibo, players can unlock themed furniture and clothing inspired by various games in the series.

The update includes decorations featuring motifs from 'Breath of the Wild', including a Guardian statue and Zonai Device, as well as references to 'Majora’s Mask', the Master Sword, and new forest-themed wallpapers and flooring.

This partnership extends the customization options for players, celebrating Nintendo’s rich gaming heritage within Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Splatoon fans are not left out, as compatible amiibo will grant access to vibrant Splatoon-inspired furnishings—such as the highly anticipated Big Man Sofa—and clothing, all available via Nook Shopping after scanning the amiibo.

Additionally, scanning Zelda-themed amiibo unlocks new villagers in the form of Mineru and Tulin, while Splatoon amiibo introduce Cece and Viché as charming island residents. Beyond these collaborations, the 3.0 update brings a massive array of improvements, including the addition of a full-scale hotel, a return of retro game consoles now playable within players’ homes, and a series of quality-of-life enhancements designed to streamline gameplay on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Importantly, all of these updates will be free to current owners of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, ensuring broad accessibility for its active and passionate player base. Nintendo continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering fresh, cross-franchise content that resonates with its diverse audience.

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update, coupled with its release on the Nintendo Switch 2, is positioned as a major moment for the franchise and Nintendo’s ongoing support of its top-performing titles.

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