Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting a new update, years after its last major patch! Read on to learn more about the game’s free Version 3.0 content and the enhancements that come with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition!
Animal Crossing: New Horizon Returns with a Free 3.0 Update and a NSW2 Edition
Finally Craft Your Items in Bulk This January 15, 2026
It has been years since Animal Crossing: New Horizons graced the Nintendo Switch, but earlier today, October 30, Nintendo announced a major update for the game, which seemingly includes one of the most requested quality-of-life improvements since the game’s release. The free Version 3.0 update, launching on January 15, 2026 alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game, appears to finally allow players to craft multiple items at once, a change that could make island life even more of a breeze.
Previously, crafting in Animal Crossing (DIY) was done one item at a time at your workbench. You would gather materials, open the DIY Recipes app on your NookPhone, select a recipe, and craft exactly one of that item. Anyone who needed a dozen fences or several pieces of furniture for decorating had to repeat that process again and again and again. Select, craft, watch the animation for each individual copy, seemingly in perpetuity.
Fans have long asked for a batch crafting feature to cut down on the tedium. Now, based on new footage and details shared by Nintendo, that wish looks to be granted. The update appears to add a prompt that lets players select how many copies of an item they want and craft them all in bulk. This means no more wasting time at the workbench and more hours spent on the fun stuff, like decorating and visiting friends.
The 3.0 update doesn’t stop there, however; Nintendo is adding new areas, activities, and storage upgrades for returning players. A new resort hotel run by Kapp’n’s family lets you decorate guest rooms, manage amenities, and unlock exclusive furniture and outfits for the souvenir shop. Players can also visit Slumber Island, a feature for Nintendo Switch Online members that lets them design and save up to three custom islands.
This being a big update, of course, means there are more quality-of-life improvements. The Reset Service, led by Resetti, allows you to tidy up your islands or make a fresh start without losing progress. Home storage capacity has also been increased to hold up to a whopping 9,000 items, including "trees, shrubs, and flowers."
3.0 Update Unlocks Zelda and Splatoon amiibo Functionality
The update also expands collaborations with other Nintendo franchises. You can collect items like "the Ultra Hand" and a plethora of "special LEGO items" to decorate your island and home. Walls can look built entirely out of LEGO bricks. Beds, tables, and even plants can look like they’re straight out of a LEGO playset.
There are also classic Nintendo systems in-game that allow those with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play select classic Nintendo titles, like Ice Climber and Dr. Mario. Plus, using amiibo from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series can unlock themed characters and items.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Comes With New Tricks and Visual Enhancements
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is designed to take advantage of the new console’s capabilities. The new edition introduces mouse controls for indoor decorating, custom designs, and handwritten bulletin-board messages. Moreover, an in-game megaphone item allows you to call residents by name using the Switch 2’s microphone. Online now supports up to 12 players in a single session, and connecting a USB camera to the Nintendo Switch 2 lets friends see each other’s reactions while exploring islands together.
Players can also expect "improved resolution," with 4K visuals in TV mode. Do keep in mind, however, that while this will give islands a sharper and more detailed look than ever before, this also comes at the cost of frame rates being "capped at 30 fps."
The full Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will retail for $64.99 and can be purchased digitally or physically. However, for those who already own the original Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch, a paid upgrade pack will also be available for $4.99. Both versions of the game will share the same new content coming in the 3.0 update, so players on the original Switch will still be able to enjoy the latest additions.
For more on Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can check out our walkthrough and guides below!
Source:
