Nearly four years after the 2.0 update, Animal Crossing: New Horizons receives its Version 3.0.0 patch, launching January 14, 2026. This isn’t just a few new items—it’s a top-to-bottom enhancement that introduces new facilities, collaboration content, quality-of-life upgrades, and exciting mechanics for both Switch and Switch 2 players.
Whether you’re a daily player or returning after years away, this guide provides the complete patch breakdown, gameplay improvements, and essential details for the latest update.
✈️ Welcome to the Resort Hotel: Kapp’n’s New Venture
The new Resort Hotel is located at the end of your island's airport pier and is operated by Kapp’n and his family. This facility is central to the update’s new gameplay loop.
Key Features
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Design Guest Rooms – Create themed rooms (like "Seaside Room") using mechanics similar to the Happy Home Paradise DLC.
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Spread Island Vibes – Dress mannequins in the hotel lobby with outfits guests can borrow, influencing the island’s overall style.
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Fulfill DIY Requests – Craft special “island specialty” items to boost the hotel’s reputation.
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Earn Hotel Tickets – Redeem them for exclusive furniture and novelties in the hotel shop.
Tourists now interact with your island more dynamically, shopping at Nook’s Cranny and visiting your museum. Compatible amiibo figures let you invite specific characters.
🌌 Slumber Island: Your Collaborative Creative Playground
Luna the tapir now offers access to Slumber Islands, a dream-like creative space. Nintendo Switch Online is required for multiplayer features.
| Feature | What You Can Do | Multiplayer Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Island Creation | Small, Medium, Large layouts; terraform and decorate freely | Separate from main island; ideal for group projects |
| Decorating & Building | Place unlimited furniture, plants, and villagers | Visitors can place items; host controls bridges/inclines |
| Inviting Friends | Invite via friends list or generate a “Doze Code” | Up to 7 players on Switch, 12 on Switch 2 |
Slumber Islands allow risk-free experimentation with themes and designs without affecting your main island progress.
🔨 Quality-of-Life Revolution: Bulk Everything
Bulk Crafting & Smarter DIY
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Craft up to 10 items at once
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DIY bench pulls materials directly from home storage
Massive Storage Expansion
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Home storage can reach 9,000 slots
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Store entire trees, flowers, and shrubs
Precision Movement
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Hold L Button outdoors to lock your facing direction
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Easier alignment for paths, fences, and items
Resetti’s Reset Service
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Paid service to clear items, flowers, or custom designs
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Great for large-scale island renovations
🎮 Major Collaboration Items: Zelda, LEGO & More
| Collaboration | How to Unlock | Key Items & Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda | Scan compatible Zelda amiibo | 28+ furniture & clothing items, new villagers Tulin & Mineru |
| Splatoon | Scan Splatoon amiibo | Colorful furniture & fashion, villagers Cece & Viché |
| LEGO® | Order via Nook Shopping | LEGO-themed furniture & clothing |
| Nintendo Classics | Increase Resort Hotel brand recognition | Retro consoles & toys; play classic games with NSO |
Additionally, Super Mario Bros. items and old Pocket Camp items are permanently available via Nook Shopping.
⚡ Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: What’s Different?
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Free Update (All Players) – Resort Hotel, Slumber Island, new items, QoL improvements
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Paid Switch 2 Upgrade – Enhanced resolution, mouse support for decorating, megaphone item, 12-player sessions (vs. 8 on Switch)
All 3.0.0 content is included in the free patch, Switch 2 Edition adds premium performance features.
🛬 First Steps After Updating: Your Island Checklist
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Visit the Pier – Start the Resort Hotel storyline
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Upgrade Storage – Max out to 9,000 items
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Reorganize Workflow – Use bulk crafting from storage
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Check Your Mail – Luna’s letter introduces Slumber Islands
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Review NookPhone – DIY Recipes & Island Life 101 updates
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Scan Amiibo – Unlock Zelda, Splatoon items & villagers
🌟 Conclusion
Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0.0 is a transformative update. It combines quality-of-life improvements with new creative avenues, collaboration content, and a polished gameplay experience.
Whether you’re designing the ultimate resort, building dream worlds with friends, or simply enjoying a smoother daily routine, this update revitalizes island life for both returning and veteran players.
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