Nintendo has just dropped a massive free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, bringing version 3.0.0 to both Nintendo Switch and the shiny new Nintendo Switch 2. This isn’t just a small patch; it’s packed with quality-of-life improvements and exciting new content that has me personally eager to jump back into my island paradise.
What changed most: The biggest shake-up for players is undoubtedly the introduction of Kapp’n’s Resort Hotel and the ability to craft multiple items at once using materials directly from your home storage, alongside a significant expansion to your overall storage capacity. These changes address some long-standing community requests, making island life much more convenient and engaging.
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, NookLink (Nintendo Switch App)
- Release: (Switch), (Switch 2)
- Price: Free (3.0.0 Update); $4.99 USD for Switch 2 Edition Upgrade
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Life Simulation
The 3.0.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game-changer, focusing heavily on enhancing gameplay and expanding the world. Headlining the new features is Kapp’n’s Resort Hotel, a brand-new facility on your island’s pier where you can help Kapp’n’s family decorate themed rooms for tourists and earn “Hotel Tickets” for exclusive items. We’re also getting “Slumber Island,” allowing you to design up to three dream islands with creative mode features, customize weather, and even invite friends online to explore.
For those of us who spend hours crafting, the ability to craft up to 10 items at once and use materials directly from home storage is a monumental quality-of-life upgrade. Resetti is also making a comeback with his “Reset Service,” offering a convenient way to clear furniture and plants from specific areas of your island. Furthermore, expect new collaboration items, including LEGO, The Legend of Zelda, and Splatoon themed furniture and villagers. And if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, you can even play classic Nintendo games on retro consoles you can now acquire in-game.
For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, there’s an optional $4.99 USD upgrade to the “Switch 2 Edition,” which brings improved resolution, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for decorating, a new megaphone item for finding residents, 4K/30fps in TV mode, and expanded online multiplayer for up to 12 players (when all are on Switch 2), complete with voice chat.
Nintendo’s official patch notes detail a host of additions and improvements that are sure to delight players:
- New content and features added for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.
- Craft up to 10 items at once if materials are sufficient.
- Use items stored in home storage as DIY materials.
- DIY Recipes app now includes a page for hotel DIY requests.
- Purchase up to 50 Customization Kits at once from Nook’s Cranny.
- Guaranteed Pearl every time you give a scallop to Pascal.
- Leif can now remove weeds (30+ on island), fee reduced.
- Hold L Button outdoors to move while facing the same direction.
- Isabelle suggests island tunes and reverts island flag to original design.
- NookLink (Nintendo Switch App) updated with new articles and catalog support.
- Expanded home storage to 9,000 items, can store plants.
To get your hands on this exciting new update, simply navigate to Animal Crossing: New Horizons on your Switch home screen and select “Software Update.” The new software will then be installed, letting you jump straight into the fresh content.
Want a sneak peek at the new features?
The community is definitely buzzing! While many are thrilled with the quality-of-life improvements like crafting from storage and bulk customization kits, some players are debating the value of the separate “Switch 2 Edition” upgrade and whether it provides enough new features to justify the cost. Resetti is back. That’s all that matters,
one player enthusiastically commented, while another noted, Using materials directly from my storage instead of needing them in my pockets is a game-changer.
There’s also some discussion about a rumored jump
feature that some sources reported, though it’s not explicitly in the official patch notes.
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0.0 update is a substantial free content drop that breathes new life into island living. With the new Resort Hotel, Slumber Island, and crucial quality-of-life changes like improved crafting and storage, there’s plenty for both returning and new players to explore. While the optional Switch 2 upgrade offers some enticing enhancements for next-gen hardware owners, the core free update is a fantastic reason for any fan to revisit their island. Get ready to sail off to new adventures!
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