ACNH 3.0 Update Might Finally Allow Crafting Multiples

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is receiving a new update years after its last major patch. Discover what’s coming in the free Version 3.0 content and the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition!

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Returns with a Free 3.0 Update and a NSW2 Edition

Coming Next Year, January 15, 2026

It’s been years since Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched on the Nintendo Switch, but on October 30, Nintendo revealed a major free update for the game—and a special edition for the Nintendo Switch 2—both launching on January 15, 2026. These updates bring a wealth of new content and features for longtime players and newcomers alike, with enhanced experiences for those upgrading to the next-generation console.

The free 3.0 update introduces new activities and locations. One standout addition is a resort hotel run by Kapp’n’s family, where you can decorate guest rooms, manage amenities, and unlock new furniture and clothing for the souvenir shop. Slumber Island also arrives as a new feature for Nintendo Switch Online members, letting you design and save up to three custom islands.

As a major update, 3.0 includes significant quality-of-life improvements. Resetti’s new Reset Service lets you refresh your island or start fresh without losing progress. Home storage has been expanded to hold up to 9,000 items, including trees, shrubs, and flowers.

One of the most anticipated quality-of-life upgrades? The ability to craft multiple items at once. Previously, crafting in Animal Crossing required repeating the process for each item: gather materials, open the DIY Recipes app on your NookPhone, pick a recipe, and craft one at a time—watching the same animation over and over if you wanted duplicates.

With this update, you can now choose how many copies of an item you want—say, three wooden wardrobes or two leaf umbrellas—and craft them all in a single action. No more repetitive animations. More time for decorating and visiting friends.

3.0 Update Unlocks Zelda and Splatoon amiibo Functionality

The update expands cross-franchise collaborations. You can now collect items like the Ultra Hand and a variety of special LEGO pieces to decorate your island and home—walls, beds, tables, and even plants can appear as if they’re made from LEGO bricks.

Classic Nintendo games like Ice Climber and Dr. Mario are now playable in-game via Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions. Plus, using amiibo from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series unlocks themed characters and exclusive items.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Comes With New Tricks and Visual Enhancements

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons leverages the new console’s features. Mouse controls now allow for precise indoor decorating, custom design placement, and handwritten bulletin-board messages. An in-game megaphone lets you call residents by name using the Switch 2’s microphone. Online multiplayer now supports up to 12 players per session, and connecting a USB camera lets friends see each other’s real-time reactions while exploring islands together.

Players can also look forward to “improved resolution,” with 4K visuals in TV mode. While this delivers sharper, more detailed islands than ever before, frame rates are capped at 30 fps.

The full Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will retail for $64.99 and is available digitally or in physical form. Owners of the original Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch can upgrade for $4.99. Both versions will include the same new 3.0 update content, so all players can enjoy the latest additions.

For more on Animal Crossing: New Horizons, explore our walkthroughs and guides below!