The massive feature-packed 3.0 update was supposed to arrive on January 15, but appears to have launched a little bit earlier than planned. I spotted multiple reports of gamers getting access to the update around 11am GMT here in the UK, and have been able to confirm for myself that the 3.0 update has indeed landed.
How To Grab The 3.0 Update Early
It’s pretty easy
Getting your hands on the free 3.0 update early is pretty easy! While Nintendo Switch games typically automatically update to the latest version, I did have to manually search for the latest update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. To do that, select the software via the home menu, press the + button, and then choose “software update”, followed by “via the internet.” And then you’re in!
We’ll also be getting a Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade that comes with its own unique features specific to Nintendo’s latest console, but let’s focus on 3.0 for now. So, what’s in this free update?
The following changes are all coming to the game for free, regardless of platform:
- Resort Hotel
- Slumber Island
- Increased storage limit with 9000-item maximum
- Resetti area reset feature
- Bulk crafting
- Crossover items with other Nintendo franchises and LEGO
- Other quality of life tweaks
What About The Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade?
Patience, young one
As far as I can see, the Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, which you will have to pay for, isn’t available to download yet, and is likely to go live on January 15 as planned. This is another substantial update to the game that adds even more new features, though as the name suggests, it’s exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 gamers.
The Switch 2 upgrade features include:
- Enhanced resolution
- Shorter load times
- Joy-Con mouse controls
- Megaphone
- 12-player online multiplayer
The Switch 2 upgrade editions all utilize specific Switch 2 hardware capabilities, like using the Joy-Con mouse controls for placing and arranging furniture. Another fun touch is the megaphone, which uses the built-in microphone feature to allow players to call their villagers.
Ultimately, the 3.0 update is the more substantial and feature-packed of the two, which is as it should be. So what are you waiting for? Stop reading this and go dive back into Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
